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00070') Some of the water conflicts and problems commonly associated with the West are beginning to occur more frequently in the East as well. pOlicy development and solutions need to be adapted to work within existing laws and institutions:, which historically have evolved differently in the Eastern and Western states. In the face of these critical problems and issues, it is necessary and timely to develop a new approach to water, one that focuses on more efficient use, protection and sustainability of this vital resource. THE WATER EFFICIENCY PROJECT The Water Efficiency Project at EESI seeks to stimulate the creative rethinking of national water policy and the development of new conservation and efficiency strategies for the future. The project is working to identify the key issues and policy options, provide information to national policymakers,.and spark further discussion and debate. The project is starting with workshops to explore key issues. The first workshop, held in Tucson in 1990, was on water supply alternatives. The second workshop, held in Denver, Colo. in May 1991, looked at opportunities and obstacles to agricul- tural water. conservation in order to provide environmental benefits. EESI is now planning a series of briefings on' water efficiency to help Congress identify the key issues and examine alternatives for action. Topics include water supply problems and projections, water law, efficiency and conservation options, water marketing, pricing and incentives , environmental' needs, obstacles to efficiency, and the role of federal, state, and local entities in water allocation and use. The project will place a special emphasis on Members of congress and congressional staff because it is the Congress that will make many of the fundamental policy choices that will continue business as usual or lead the nation on the path to a more efficient water future. Interim goals for the project include the formation of a work group consisting of key congressional staff, representatives from the environmental community and academia, water managers, policy analysts, and state and local officials. The group will work to develop innovative policy options and ideas for better coordination among the federal agencies and between federal and state interests. Long-term plans include the writing of a water policy paper to present innovative policy and efficiency options to the nation's policymakers.