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. . . Western States Water Council Executive Committee Minutes Boise, Idaho April 21, 2005 WESTERN GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION WORK PLAN ITEMS Shaun McGrath, Program Manager for the Western Governors' Association (WGA), discussed the status of various work plan items contemplated by the Western Governors' Association. He also outlined the agenda for the Annual Meeting to be held in June in Colorado. He specifically mentioned tentatively plans to have "sidebar" meetings among the governors of the Colorado and Missouri River Basin states. These meetings would be for governors only, unless the governors invite others to join them. A discussion followed and various points of view were expressed regarding the merits of having these sidebar meetings, recognizing that it would be the governors themselves who decide if such meetings would be fruitful. It was noted that Craig planned to attend the entire WGA Annual Meeting and associated events. Hal Simpson, as WSWC Chair, would also attend as appropriate. In another matter, the WGA through its Staff Council has expressed support for the Council's endeavor to reengage the Administration in discussions regarding the ESA protocol. A discussion ensued about appropriate next steps to raise this matter with the Administration. Roger Patterson mentioned that he was planning to meet with Lynn Scarlett in June, who is now Assistant Secretary for Policy and Budget, but has been nominated for Deputy Secretary. He volunteered to take the ESA protocol with him. It was noted in this regard that in order for efforts to be successful, they need to take place this year. 2005 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WORK PLAN Chairman Simpson briefly reviewed the Executive Committee work plan. He mentioned his satisfaction with the results of the workshop held the day prior. He had been concerned about the timeframe, but felt that it had been worthwhile. Other such half-day workshops are planned for the meetings in Seattle and San Antonio. SUNSETTING POLICY POSITION Chairman Hal Simpson stated that the Council's policy position as contained behind Tab C will expire unless readopted. Hal noted that a proposed position endorsing the recent version of the Drought Preparedness Act is before the Council at this meeting. Adoption of this policy position will mean that the previous position supporting this legislation can sunset. WATER CONSERVATION ROUNDTABLE RECOMMENDATIONS Chairman Simpson reported that the Water Resources Committee had discussions regarding the recommendations from the Roundtable. Certain steps have been identified from that discussion, which Council members and staff will be following up on. In discussing the plan for the next workshop on federal and state water data collection programs, it was mentioned that we should endeavor to gather information on satellite scanning capability developed by NASA. While NASA may be phasing out their program, other countries have developed this capacity as well, and it may be worth discussion at the next workshop. 3