From the Cortez Journal (Jim Mimiaga):
Congressman Scott Tipton (R-Cortez) gave an informed report of legislation he supports that will ease regulations for ranching and protect water rights in the state…
He said an effort to stop federal land agencies from acquiring water rights as a condition for renewing permits for ski areas and ranching allotments was defeated. “But they are trying to adjust the rule, so it is still a threat,” Tipton said.
He is sponsoring the Protecting our Water Rights Act, a bill that protects the priority water rights system in Colorado, and “keeps control of our water out of the hands of bureaucrats.”
More San Juan River Basin coverage here.