9367 ‎(3)‎

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9367
• Author: Colorado Water Workshop.
• Title: Proceedings
• USFW Year: 1992.
• USFW - Doc Type: Colorado Water Workshop July 22-24, 1992.
• Copyright Material: NO

Furthermore, he pointed out that the Secretary of the Interior
administers water deliveries from the lower river, provides for an annual
accounting of water use, and in general, runs the river system.

Not too many years ago only the very brave, or foolish, would bring this
topic up at an Upper Basin gathering such as this. Now the subject of
changing uses, from agriculture to municipal and industrial...and transfers
from the Upper to the Lower Basin, are agenda topics dominating much of today
and tomorrow's programs.
~
Let me clearly say it is no~ npressarily the policy of the Bureau of
Reclamation to promote ter transfe However, should the states arrive at
tna p lon, eclamation is prepared to actively participate in efforts to
make it happen.

I think that the discussions here this week, and into the future, are
healthy. We have reaffirmed that traditional arrangements and commitments
which formed the framework for our historic actions and decisions concerning
states allocations have worked well. There has been order and process in
river development, utilization, and management.

However, we are also learning that in advance of a crisis there is also
benefit to giving thought to new ways of doing business. Generally, decisions
which are reached in a state of panic are poor decisions, often leading to
bitterness and costly and time consuming litigation. The resources and people
nearly always suffer.

If water transfers ever take place, the Upper Basin states will need
guarantees that they can develop enough water to handle future population
growth without seriously harming their current agricultural base. Beyond
that, all kinds of options are "on the plate" for consideration.
Realistically, before transfers from the Upper Basin to the Lower Basin are
seriously considered, it would appear that more careful thought should be
given to water marketing proposals among entities in the Lower Basin itself.

Quite frankly, these are exciting times to be water managers. Just as
the framers of the 1922 Colorado River Compact charted the course of water
management for the past 70 years, we too are making decisions that will shape
the coming century.

Let's switch from the hypothetical issue of water transfers to a real
world issue facing us all, namely the application of the Endangered Species
Act. We've found ourselves in the middle of a firestorm.

First, and foremost,it's important to understand that we are operating
under a very strict law...a law that carries with it considerable power.
Sections 2, 4, and 7 of the Endangered Species Act require Federal agencies to
insure actions taken are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of
endangered species. Furthermore, the Act requires us to promote the recovery
and conservation of those species and their habitats. Also, Section la, the
provision on "Taking," can also come into play if actions are not implemented
to avoid jeopardy.

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