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The final session was devoted to the adoption of policy resolutions by the governors. Among several resolutions, the governors adopted one encouraging the Congress and the Administration to support "Good Samaritan" remediation efforts at abandoned mine sites through amendments to law and policy "as quickly as possible." The governors also passed a resolution urging Congress to refrain from weakening section 401 of the Clean Water Act, "the one remaining avenue for states to influence hydropower siting within their borders and upon their waters." The resolution also asks Congress to closely examine the Federal Power Act and amend it to clarify and strengthen Congressional deference to state primacy over water resource allocation and management. Specifically, Congress should require that any projects that remain under FERC jurisdiction should not be licensed unless or until they acquire a water right or the functional equivalent from the affected state or states. The governors directed the staff to continue working with the governors, state water resource and natural resource agencies, and the Western States Water Council in oppcising amendments to section 401 of the Clean Water Act and to seek sponsorship of legislation restoring full state authority over state waters under the Federal Power Act. ( The governors adopted a resolution critical of the f ~ureau of Reclamation's roposed water conservation The WESTERN STATES WATER COUNCIL Is an organization of representatives appointed by the Governors of member states. Arizona, California, Colorado, HawaII, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. and associate member states Alaska, Montana and WaShington. WESTERN GOVERNORS Western Governors' Association-Annual Meeting The Western Governors' Association held its annual meeting in Park City, Utah, June 24-26. The second day was highlighted by a private luncheon for governors with Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico, Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He described Congressional efforts to balance the budget over the next seven years and its likely effects on the West. A plenary session was then held which also dealt with the new fiscal reality. It focused on what federal obligations the states may be asked to assume, ranging from complex management challenges associated With block grants to demands for services formeriy provided by the federal government. On Monday morning, June 26th, the governors met as the Board of Directors and conducted the business of the association and also heard from Assistant Secretary of the Interior George Frampton, who discussed the impacts of congressional budget proposals, particularly as they pertain to the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Park Service. guidelines/rules(WSW#1099). The resolution questions Reclamation's authority to require more than the submission of a conservation plan from those receiving water from Bureau of Reclamation facilities. Further, it criticizes Reclamation's presumption that approval of a plan is a federai action triggering compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, as well as the Endangered Species Act. The governors' policy statement proposes instead that Reclamation's efforts to encourage water conservation should involve voluntary and flexible incentives, rather than penalties for non- compliance with specific mandates under questionable statutory authority. The governors asked that the WGA, with assistance from the WSWC, monitor promUlgation of related rules and regulations, or guidelines and criteria, and work with Reclamation and other interested organizations to furtner the governors' policies. . In another resolution, the governors note that the process which they have consistently supported regarding negotiated settlement of Indian land and water rights disputeS;-/11fS'ori5kenCiOwh. Recognizing the difficult finariclariTiTies;"Ttiegovernorsnevertheless reiterate the need to resolve these disputes and to address tribal grievances. "It Is time to revisit the need and process for resolving these issues and to redediCate efforts to continue the positive accomplishments of the iast decade," the resolution states. The Qovernors therefore call for '!.b.r:()-",dIE!lpre~e!1J~ti.Y.~2.om!1littee_!Cl.. ~~ct .LJl}d-,~r, !he auspic~.L,,()Ub~.....w~t!lrn Governors' AssociatiOn "iorevlew where probl",.r:n!.~j!l!!l develi5"peo'and'toformulalil'fecommendalio,n,sj(;L'1lnmr..!l. crOnt1nuettl11!lm!lbJillfi:ilNf~~lic':;:~~s~fhe committee 'WoUlifp'rovide recommendations within six months from formation. The WGA also adopted a resolution sponsored by Governor Symington of Arizona stating that "the Western Governors recognize the sanctity at the law of the (Colorado) River. Any administrative aemslons Intended to improve the operations of the Colorado must comply with the Law of the River and should not be undertaken without the unanimous onsent of all affected parties." . The Governors also reaffirmed their support for the "Park City Principles" to guide water management. These principles were developed at a series of workshops sponsored by the WGA and the WSWC. They also reaffirmed their support for a resolution first adopted in 1992 setting forth principles to govern , reauthorization of the Clean Water Act. Governor Ben Nelson of Nebraska was elected chairman for the coming year and Governor Schafer of North Dakota was elected Vice Chairman. .