CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval is issuing an executive order creating a panel to study and combat the state's severe drought.
The Republican governor announced the order on Wednesday during a press conference at Washoe Lake State Park.
The order will create a Nevada Drought Forum designed to study and analyze state water use and potential areas for water savings. Sandoval's order also requires a water audit of all state-owned facilities.
The panel will be required to hold a public stakeholder meeting in September and produce bi-weekly drought impact reports.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in February declared most of the state as a natural disaster area due to lingering drought conditions and historically low water levels.