Proponents of the ‘Colorado River Authority of Utah,’ say the new agency would protect the state’s share of the Colorado River system. But environmental groups question whether the river authority will consider the realities of climate change. They allege that this agency, which would be created through HB 297, plans on developing controversial infrastructure projects like the Lake Powell Pipeline. For a local perspective on this issue, we speak with Moabite John Weisheit, of Living Rivers.

Show Notes:

HB 297: Colorado River Amendments

https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/HB0297.html

The Salt Lake Tribune: Proposed river authority would assert Utah’s claims to the Colorado’s dwindling water

https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2021/02/05/proposed-river-authority/

Utah Rivers Council: New Water Bill Rushed Through Committee as Lobbyists Eliminate Public Oversight

https://utahrivers.org/blog-post/2021/2/5/hb297-2021-legislative-bill-update