Normally, the flow of the Mississippi River keeps saltwater out of the water supply. However, the last year has also seen severe drought conditions and record heat in both Louisiana and Mississippi, with the water nearing all-time lows.

Biden made the declaration in response to a request from Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) issued Monday. It authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to mobilize resources in Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes.

“Efforts to mitigate the impact of the saltwater intrusion are currently underway and other projects are being considered based on the projections being received from the United States Army Corps of Engineers,” Edwards said in a statement Wednesday. “This 90-day approval of our Emergency Declaration will help our state and local partners with the costs of any mitigation efforts and protective measures.” 

Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.

Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, we’re Rachel Frazin & Zack Budryk — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.