Utah Valley Times

U.S. Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) have introduced the Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to extend the System Conservation Pilot Program, initially created to test voluntary water conservation measures in managing severe drought conditions in the Colorado River Basin.

“Over the last several years, the System Conservation Pilot Program has proven successful in increasing water efficiency and mitigating the impacts of historic drought,” stated Senator Romney. “Reauthorizing this important program will encourage water conservation in Lake Powell and other bodies of water in the Upper Colorado River Basin.”

Senator Hickenlooper emphasized the need for collaboration: “We need to work together to address the Colorado River crisis, and conservation is one part of the puzzle. Let’s finish the pilot program and figure out what works best for Colorado’s communities and our farmers.”

Senator Barrasso highlighted regional cooperation: “Wyoming, along with other Colorado River Basin states, have worked together to conserve water in the Colorado River system. Programs like the System Conservation Pilot Project are critical to helping address drought issues across these states. Our bipartisan legislation extends this program and provides our farmers and ranchers with resources to conserve water in the Colorado River and the lakes they depend on.”

“As drought wreaks havoc on the Colorado River system, Colorado and Upper Basin states are doing their part and stepping up to conserve real water,” added Senator Bennet.

Senator Lummis underscored ongoing efforts: “The west continues to lead the nation in our cutting-edge water conservation and management practices. Our ability to maintain that reputation hinges on preserving proven policies that mitigate drought threats, and I am excited to partner with my colleagues to protect Wyoming communities and ranchers from droughts by continuing this successful program.”

The Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act seeks to extend the System Conservation Pilot Program through 2026. This extension will allow stakeholders, including Colorado River Basin states and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, additional time for discussions on long-term water management strategies post-2026 when current operational rules expire.

Full text of the legislation is available here.