CRWUA 2006 Resolutions and Supporting Position Statements

• Description: Proposed resolutions for adoption by the memebers of the Colorado River Water Users Association at their annual business meeting in 2006.
• State: CO
• Date: 12/16/2005
• Author: Colorado River Water Users Association
• Title: 2006 Resolutions and Supporting Position Statements
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Meeting

COLORADO RIVER WATER USERS ASSOCIATION
2006 RESOLUTIONS
Resolution No. 2006 -1 - -- ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
The purpose of the federal Endangered Species Act is to conserve the ecosystems upon which threatened and
endangered species depend, and to conserve and recover listed species in a cost effective and timely manner.
The Endangered Species Act shall:
• Provide greater involvement of the States in listing decisions, critical habitat designations, recovery
planning, Habitat Conservation P1ans,'Safe Harbor agreements and more;
• Recognize and protect property rights and water rights;
• Fairly treat property owners and water right holders;
• Minimize social and economic impacts;
• Use sound science in concert with clear and objective scientific standards for listing of species and
designation of critical habitat; and,
• Provide positive incentives to conserve listed and declining species, including statutory provision for:
• Assurances - "no surprises" for non - federal stakeholders affected by federal agency Section 7
consultations.
• Ecosystem -based conservation plans.
Position Statement - -- Endangered Species Act - -- (Resolution No. 2006 -1)
The federal Endangered Species Act shall be implemented, reformed and reauthorized subject to the following:
State Involvement:
a) The Federal Government shall involve the States in listing decisions, critical habitat designations,
recovery planning, Habitat Conservation Plans, Safe Harbor agreements and more.
b) The Federal Government shall enter into cooperative agreements that give states the authority to conserve
threatened and endangered species when they have initiated an adequate program.
2. Water:
a) No Federal Water Law: The Act does not and shall not create federal water law or federal rights in water.
The Act shall not be construed or used to impair, abrogate, supersede or amend:
(1) vested water rights granted by the respective states for beneficial uses;
(2) rights of beneficiaries to use water as are or have been established by confirmed contracts
between the United States and the beneficial users of said water under said contracts;