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Last modified
8/11/2009 11:49:55 AM
Creation date
1/18/2008 12:43:10 PM
Metadata
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Template:
Publications
Year
2005
Title
CWCB Request for Signature Authority Research
CWCB Section
Administration
Author
Beth Van Vurst & James Eklund
Description
CWCB Request for Signature Authority Research
Publications - Doc Type
Legal Analysis
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<br /> <br />r <br /> <br />improper 1'01' thc judiciary 10 determine the propriety ur tilc (jovernor's delegation or his authority to <br />adminislcr tilc ('o\orado River ('ompact.11 <br /> <br />C. Thl' GOVl'rnor arguahly has ilOt propl'rly dl'll'gatl'd his authority to nl'gotiate alld sign the <br />Sl'Vl'1I hasin states agrel'llll'nt. <br /> <br />Although the Governor should have the pO\ver to delegate his authority to negotiate and sign <br />the Seven Hasin States !\greement, there appear to be problems with the delegation or the (joH:rnor's <br />authority in this instance. Firsl, the Governor's letter, dated April 12,2006, mirrors the language of a <br />statute (37-()()-1()<), C'.R,S.) that does not grant him the authority to unilaterally bind the state to <br />interstate agreements. Even irthe language of the statute were acceptable, the Governor's counsel <br />should be consulted to ensure that a gubernatorial ktter is a sufticient instrument fllr this delegation, <br />in cOlllparison with an executive order, I(H example. <br /> <br />i\ rt:\ated but possibly more problematic issue lies in the language of the Draft i\greement <br />itself. It incorrectly states that CR.S. ~ 37-60-109, in conjunction with an Executive Order issued on <br />April 12,2006, provides Commissioner Balcomb with the authority to negotiate and subsequently <br />execute thc Seven Basin State Agreement on behalfofthe state of Colorado. Draft Ag:reement at 1- <br />2. The referenced statute does provide the Governor with the authority to appoint a commissioner to <br />represent the State ror the purpose of negotiating and entering into interstate agreements <br />"ascertaining and declaring the authority, interest, or right of the several signatory states, or any of <br />them. over. in, and to interstate waters,"' ~ 37-60-109, C.R.S. However, as discussed in section <br />.IV.A.3., SUPJ'iI, section 37-()()-109 is not applicable in this case, Even ifit were applicable, the statute <br />rcquires "'that any compact or agreement so entered into on behalf of said states shal/nol he hinding <br />OJ' ohligillO/y upon ilnl' oj'said slales OJ' lhe cili::::ens lhereoj'lI/11illhe same has been ralified ilnd <br />afJJ>/'()\'ed In'/he legislil/ures oj'al! oj'said signoloJ')' stoles and by the congress of the United States <br />when necessary,"' ~ 37-()()-109, CR.S. Reliance upon the authority discussed in 9 37-60-109 would <br />be problematic to the i\greement because the legislatures of each state have not "ratified and <br />approved" the Agreement. <br /> <br />Heeause constitutional principles are not offended by the delegation of power through section <br />24-1-109 and because section 37-60-109 is inapplicable, we recommend that the Draft Agreement be <br />amended to delete section 37-60-109. Future separation of powcrs issues will best be avoided by <br />adhering to the language of section 24-1-109 and continuing to maintain that the Agreement furthers <br />administration or the Colorado River Compact. <br /> <br />V. CONCLUSION. <br /> <br /> <br />In conclusion, section 24-1-109 provides the Governor with the authority to negotiate and <br />execute the Agreement as long as his actions are deemed to be "administering" the Compact. As a <br />result, the Agreement should be modilied to reference only this provision as the source of the <br />Governor's authority. This statutory delegation of power is consistent with constitutional principles, <br /> <br />11 We should also note that cases analyzing the delegation of power to an administrative agency have found that "a <br />delegation of power operates to confer all implied powers reasonably necessary to the proper exercise of the <br />expressly delegated power."' Beaver Meadows 1'. Board UrCOl/lltl' COli/'rs orLlIrimC/" Co UII ty, 709 P.2d 928. 932 <br />(Colo. 1985). Because there is case law that is more analogous to the Governor's delegation in this instance. the test <br />of whether the Governor's delegation oLauthority to Commissioner Balcomb is "reasonably necessary" will not be <br />applied. <br /> <br />10 <br />
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