WMOD00301 ‎(2)‎

• Title: Conceptual Plan to Develop Water Augmentation by Weather Modification in the Colorado River
• Date: 5/14/1979
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

D R AFT

the discussions leading to passage of the Act in 1968, weather
modification was considered as a viable alternative augmentation
source and that water yields from cloud seeding would constitute
additional water to meet Act requirements. The Statement of the
Managers on the part of the House concerning Title II of the Act
which pertained to the planning stated that "all possible sources of
water must be considered, including water conservation and salvage,
weather modification, desalination, and importation from areas of
surplus" EJ.

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"

The Act also made the Secretary of the Interior responsible for
determining and proclaiming that means are available and in operation
which augment the water supply of the Colorado River and is the
responsible Federal party in the various laws, agreements, guides,
compacts, and directives collectively known as the "Law of the
River."

The responsibilities and authorities in Public Law 90-537 are suffi-
cient for the Secretary of the Interior to undertake augmentation of
the Colorado River by any justifiable means, including weather modifi-
cation, but with restrictions on planning interbasin importation.
Legal opinions of July 13, 1966, and December 30, 1971, from the
Department of the Interior's Associate Solicitor uphold the Bureau of
Reclamation authority to conduct atmospheric water resources research.

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