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.Ii ,I il " " I! . ." " Western States Water Council Water Resources Committee Minutes San Antonio, Texas October 20,2005 Eileen Grevey Hillson: "Are you working with state utility commissioners and others to address this issue? " Geesman: "No. That's a good suggestion." We have begun discussions with ENRA [energy regulators?], but it is early in the process. Dave Pope: "Some of us have received invitations from Sandia to a series of workshops. One is in Kansas City. How does this tie in?" Eileen: "As a former utility regulator in New Mexico, consumer advocate groups often question research costs. Commissions could hold hearings and educate the public on rate issues." She suggested an e-mail discussion including more groups. Jim Davenport: "Why should we look to the energy committee to solve our problems?" Geesman: "Money! Money! Money!" Also, the energy side doesn't have a good idea of power demands of the water industry. Pat Tyrrell questioned the meaning of the slides on unsustainable use. NATIONAL DROUGHT POLICY ACT OF 2005 & RECLAMATION STATES EMERGENCY DROUGHT RELIEF ACT REAUTHORIZATION Jack Stults reported that there had been no further action taken by the Congress on the National Drought Policy Act. With respect to reauthorization of the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act, Chairman Hal Simpson signed a joint August 12 letter to Rep. Richard Pombo (R-CA), Chairman of the House Resources Committee, together with Tom Donnelly, Executive Vice President of the National Water Resources Association and Pat O'Toole, President of the Family Farm Alliance. It urged support for H.R. 2995. Further, on September 27, Tony Willardson testified before the House Resources Committee's Water and Power Subcommittee in support of the bill, noting that it provides "important authority and flexibility to use available federal water projects to our best advantage in addressing challenges to federal and non-federal water users and fish and wildlife resources due to drought." Both the letter and testimony were included in the briefing books under Tab N. WATER JlNFORMA TION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS WORKSHOP Tony next reported that the WIMS workshop in Missoula, Montana on September 7-9, was well received. Thirty-five representatives from ten states participated in discussions on continuing innovations in information technology as it relates to water resources management and water rights administration. Jack Stults welcome those attending and emphasized the importance of real-time water 9