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el el ) "With increasing populations and demand on our water supply, the strain on the Colorado River has become overwhelming," stated Chairman Calvert. "Colorado, like many states in the West, is experiencing a drought. The future of a reliable water supply will be dependent on the development of new water technologies to increase efficiency. This hearing is intended to discuss options available to relieve the stress on the Colorado River and other traditional water supplies. " Beauprez stated that, "Although most of the precipitation falls on the Western Slope, 80 percent of the population resides on the Eastern Slope. For this reason, groundwater pumping is more extensive in the eastern part of the State. Some are concerned that unsustainable groundwater pumping occurs, particularly in the Denver basin. Colorado grew by_one million people in the last decade, with growth projections estimated for another two million residents by 2020. Meanwhile, like most western states, Colorado has experienced severe drought over the last few years. " At the current rate, our water supplies cannot keep up with population increases," said Rep. Calvert. "We need to find new ways to provide water to both rural and urban users. Our entire economy is based on the assumption that water is ready and available for us at any time. This assumption could prove disastrous if we don't start planning now for future water supplies." Copies of the statements provided by witnesses are available upon request. New EPA Water Official: Benjamin Grumbles has been appointed as Acting Assistant Administrator for Water, replacing Tracy Mehan III. He has served as EP A's Deputy Assistant Administrator and Associate Administrator for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations. He also worked for the House Public Works Committee. Florida MWD v. Miccosukee: Oklahoma and Washington joined New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina and Vermont in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to affirm the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeal's 2002 decision that the pumping of polluted water into a more pristine water body constitutes the pollution of navigable waters from a point source, requiring a National Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Colorado, New Mexico, Hawaii, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming have taken the opposite view. Those who favor requiring permits argue that water transfers are subject to the Clean Water Act since points of transfer are point sources and that inter-basin water transfers and water quality concerns are not adequately handled by states through current non-point source programs. They argue \hat the NPDES permitting process is the best means for controlling water pollution. Colorado, on the other hand, argued that the transfer of water is not a "discharge" or original source of pollution and that requiring an NPDES permit for transfers of water will effectively prevent such transfers altogether. The case was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. l4. ABA 22nd Annual Water Law Conference: The theme of this year's conference.is "Are States Still in Charge?" The conference will be held in San Diego on Feb. 19-20. For information visit www-oabanet,orgfenvironl-programs/wateFIawI-20\l4!flome.htrnl. Federal Dam Safety Bill: Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) introduced S. 1727, to authorize additional appropriations under the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act. Domenici noted that Reclamation has authority to spend approximately $974 million on dam safety projects, but only $109 million remains uncommitted. He believes that there is a need for at least $540 million more. 3