Tough negotiations are under way on the EU's 2014-2020 budget, with some member states arguing that the Commission's funding targets are too ambitious in the current climate of national belt-tightening.

BBC: Closer union 'urgent' - EU Commission chief Barroso

But drought has gripped the Sun Belt in recent years, and federal scientists predict recurrent periods similar to the 1930s Dust Bowl if climate change models prove accurate.

WSJ: Great Lakes region pins economic hopes on water