by the natural resources subcommittee. it s about an hour and 40 minutes. good afternoon, everyone. i apologize for starting late. i knew if we had a hearing today, we would have votes at the same time, so i should have expected that. let me begin by thanking our panelists for being here. and i m going to also recognize senator bingaman who chairs the resources committee. we re delighted to have him here. and senator lee has another engagement and has to leave. so i would like you to make your opening remarks, and then i will make mine and introduce the panelists. thank you so much, senator. i appreciate you accommodating my schedule. i also want thank or witnesses for joining us today. i have been looking forward to this hearing as we look at our domestic and global water supplies. i m encouraged our committee is looking at continued access to clean and reliable sources to water. it has been my intent, as we have been approa