"Dems Call On Reclamation To Pay Tribes Unable To Use Colorado River"

"Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, along with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, said the Bureau of Reclamation should provide funding to help compensate for long-standing inequities."

"Colorado lawmakers are pressing the Biden administration to offer payments to Native American tribes that are unable to use their full share of the Colorado River, arguing the groups should be compensated for reducing pressure on the drought-stricken waterway.

Democratic Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, along with Colorado’s Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, issued the plea Monday in a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation.

“We strongly encourage you to explore other avenues for Colorado’s Tribal Nations to pursue funding related to drought response, recognizing that they are currently forgoing their water use not by choice, but resulting from a history of inequity reflected in their long-term lack of infrastructure,” the elected officials wrote."

Jennifer Yachnin reports for E&E News October 23, 2024.

Source: E&E News, 10/24/2024