On Monday, March 8, 2021, Mesa County Commissioners approved a letter to U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert to support the Western Water Security Act.
The letter states:
"The Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) for Mesa County, Colorado, strongly supports the Western Water Security Act, and commends you for reintroducing this important legislation. Mesa County opposes the expansion of federal infringement on private property interests and the rights of state and local governments to regulate water.
Protection of this essential resource is vital to Mesa County’s agricultural producers, economy, and way of life. Mesa County has long been an advocate of protecting the existing water rights owned, utilized, and relied upon by many Mesa County residents, several of which are the most senior water rights on the Colorado River.
Guaranteeing those rights are not infringed upon or unjustly taken by the federal government without fair compensation, is of the utmost importance. Further, the Board appreciates that this legislation provides assurance to lessees that their grazing, recreational, or energy exploration and development lease extensions will not be dependent on negotiations for their water rights.
Thank you for the opportunity to consider this legislation and its impacts on Mesa County. We urge the rest of the Colorado Delegation to support this bill and fight against the erosion of our most fundamental rights on behalf of their constituents. We look forward to this legislation moving forward to benefit our communities."
Protection of this essential resource is vital to Mesa County’s agricultural producers, economy, and way of life. Mesa County has long been an advocate of protecting the existing water rights owned, utilized, and relied upon by many Mesa County residents, several of which are the most senior water rights on the Colorado River.
Guaranteeing those rights are not infringed upon or unjustly taken by the federal government without fair compensation, is of the utmost importance. Further, the Board appreciates that this legislation provides assurance to lessees that their grazing, recreational, or energy exploration and development lease extensions will not be dependent on negotiations for their water rights.
Thank you for the opportunity to consider this legislation and its impacts on Mesa County. We urge the rest of the Colorado Delegation to support this bill and fight against the erosion of our most fundamental rights on behalf of their constituents. We look forward to this legislation moving forward to benefit our communities."
To view the public hearing proceeding or to view the letter, click here.