Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-38) released the following statement on the publication of the Department of Interior's Colorado River Basin Water Supply & Demand Study:
"I commend the Bureau of Reclamation, the basin states, and all of the stakeholders in their work to put together this comprehensive study," Napolitano said. "It is clear that we face many challenges ahead when it comes to meeting our future water demands. This study starts the conversation for how we can solve these challenges. We must work together to develop a water path forward, a path that must include water recycling and efficiencies as a solution."
The Colorado River Basin Water Supply & Demand Study was authorized by the 2009 Secure Water Act. The comprehensive study was a three year effort between the Department of the Interior, the seven basin states, and numerous conservation, recreation, and interested stakeholders. The Study looks at the current and future water supply and demand trends in the Colorado River Basin and begins the conversation for adaptation and mitigation strategies to resolve those imbalances.
Napolitano is the ranking member of the Water and Power Subcommittee on the House Natural Resources Committee.