25d ‎(2)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 11/18/2007
• Description: CWCB Director's Report
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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Natural Resources and Energy Committee, Water and Power Subcommittee held a hearing on S. 752 on
April 25, but there has been no further advancement of the legislation on the Senate since the hearing in
the spring of 2007.
WEATHER MOD RESEARCH BILLS AWAITING ACTION: On August ~, 2007, Congressman
Mark Udall (D, Colorado) introduced H.R. 3445. On July 17, 2007, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
introduced S.B. 1807 (R, Texas). These two bills seek to create a "coordinated national weather
modification research program".
In the previous Congress similar versions of these bills were introduced. In May 2005, the CWCB
adopted a resolution supporting the previous version of the Hutchison bi11(S.517) and sent it to
Colorado's Congressional delegation. During a hearing on S. 517 in November 2005, soon after
hur-t-icane Katrina, discussions led to questions from Senators about hun-icane modification research.
Testifiers at the hearing indicated that they could look into that if directed by Congress. This legislation
did not pass in the 109` Congress.
It is our understanding that there may be a hearing in the House on H.R. ;445 in early 2008. Joe Busto,
of the CWCB staff (and the Chair of the North American Interstate Weather Modification Council or
"NAIWMC"), may testify. The Family Farm Alliance, Western States Water Council, Southwestern
WCD, Dolores WCD have gone on record supporting Udall's legislation. If the Board would like to
demonstrate their continued support for this legislation, the Staff can present a new resolution for the
January 2008 CWCB meeting for discussion.
RECLAMATION POSTS FEIS ON LOWER BASIN SHORTAGES: On November 2, 2007, the
Bureau of Reclamation posted a proposed FEIS on the Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower
Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake 1~Iead for comment. The FEIS is
electronically available at: http:/Iw-w~v.usbr.gov/lclregion/programslstrategies.html.
The notice states: "The Secretary of the Interior, acting through Reclamation, proposes adoption of
specific Colorado Rivet- Lower Basin (Lower Basin) shortage guidelines and coordinated reservoir
management strategies to address operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, particularly under drought
and low reservoir conditions. This action is proposed in order to provide a greater degree of certainty to
United States Colorado Rivet- water users and managers of the Colorado River Basin by providing
detailed, and objective guidelines for the operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, thereby allowing
water users in the Lower Basin to know when, and by how much, water deliveries will be reduced in
drought and other low resen~oir conditions. The Secretary proposes that these guidelines be interim in
duration and extend through 2026.
The Final EIS presents five action alternatives for potential implementation. The preferred alternative
proposes: (1) discrete levels of shortage volumes associated with Lake Mead elevations to conserve
reservoir storage and provide water users and managers in the Lower Basin with greater certainty to know
when, and by how much, water deliveries will be reduced in drought and other low reservoir conditions;
(2) a coordinated operation of Lake Powell and Lake Mead determined by specified reservoir conditions
that would minimize shortages in the Lower Basin and avoid the risk of curtailments in the Upper Basin;
(3) a mechanism to encourage and account for augmentation and conservation of water supplies, referred
to as Intentionally Created Surplus, that would increase the flexibility of meeting water use needs from
Lake Mead, particularly under drought and low reservoir- conditions, and minimize the likelihood and
severity of potential future shortages; and (4) the modification and extension of the Interim Surplus
Guidelines through 2026."
The Department of Interior has indicated that it anticipates issuing a Record of Decision in December
2007. For those interested in receiving a copy of the FEIS contact the Regional Director, Lower Colorado
Flood Protection • Water Project Planning and Finance • Stream and Lake Protection
Water Supply Protection • Conservation Plarming