Here’s the release from Representative Tipton’s office:
Stressing the important role that water plays in western economies, jobs, and food security, Congressman Tipton (R-CO) has requested a Congressional hearing to examine issues surrounding water storage in the West.
In a letter to Natural Resources Water and Power Subcommittee Chairman Tom McClintock, Tipton wrote:
“The uncertainties of annual water availability can imperil those communities which are hindered by an unwieldy regulatory framework that hinders the ability to store water for vital purposes. Through prudent supply management and the ability to store much needed water, communities can support jobs that depend on the availability of water, protect food security, control flooding, ensure continued recreation opportunities, provide water for the development of hydropower, and meet environmental protection needs.
“Among the immediate concerns regarding water storage is this year’s relatively low snow pack levels in Colorado. Streamlining the regulatory permitting process can help better prepare those communities that rely on snow pack to support local economies.
“I respectfully urge the Water and Power Subcommittee to take up this issue in a hearing so that we can identify the hurdles to water storage and work towards regulatory reform that will support Western communities that rely on the ability to store water.”
Tipton recently spearheaded a bipartisan effort to stop the U.S. Forest Service from implementing a permit condition to require the transfer of privately held water rights to the federal government as a permit condition on National Forest System lands. Tipton expressed concern over the impact the requirement would have on water rights held by ski areas and ranchers in particular. The U.S. Ski Industry Association is currently suing the U.S. Forest Service over the matter.
Thanks to the Colorado Independent (Troy Hooper) for the heads up.
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