Policy Resolutions

Formally-adopted positions of the Western States Water Council

Archive

#479 – Renewable Hydropower Development

#479 - Renewable Hydropower Development Position #479 (April 6, 2022) WHEREAS, the water and hydropower resources of the West have been developed through partnerships between energy and water users, and continue to be inextricably connected; and WHEREAS, clean,...

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#478 – Rural Water Infrastructure Needs & Projects

#478 – Supporting Rural Water Infrastructure Needs & Projects Position #478  (April 6, 2022) WHEREAS, much of the West is characterized by its aridity and drought which highlights the fact that water availability is an ever present constraint defining our economic...

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#477 – Abandoned Hardrock Mine Cleanup

Position #477 - September 16, 2021 WHEREAS, the General Mining Act of 1872 allowed individuals to obtain exclusive rights to valuable hardrock mineral deposits on land belonging to the United States without requirements to reclaim the land until the 1970s; and WHEREAS,...

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#476 – States’ Water Rights and Natural Flows

Position #476 - September 16, 2021 WHEREAS, the Western States Water Council strongly supports preservation of the States’ inherent right to develop, use, control, and distribute water; and WHEREAS, States have exclusive authority over the allocation and administration...

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#475 – Bureau of Reclamation Drought Response Program

Position #475 - September 16, 2021 WHEREAS, the Western States Water Council is a policy advisory body representing eighteen states and since its inception the Council has been actively involved in national drought preparedness, planning and response, as well as related...

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#470 – Endangered Species and State Water Rights

Position #470 - June 25, 2021 WHEREAS, Section 2(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act declares it is the policy of Congress that Federal agencies shall cooperate with State and local agencies to resolve water resource issues in concert with conservation of endangered...

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