Tipton Applauds Passage of Measure to Protect Endangered Colorado River Fish

Statement

Rep. Scott Tipton (CO-03) applauded the Senate's passage of the Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2012 (H.R. 6060), a measure to help restore the populations of four endangered fish species in the Colorado River. Tipton is an original co-sponsor of the bill and played a role in guiding it successfully through the House. The Senate passed the measure un-amended and with unanimous consent.

"Extending the authorization for the Upper Colorado and San Juan fish recovery programs will continue much needed efforts to recover four endangered fish species, and provide Endangered Species Act compliance for federal, tribal, and non-federal water projects. The Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2012 includes reforms to reduce overhead costs and eliminate inefficient agency spending to help ensure the success of the programs while minimizing the taxpayer investment necessary to achieve that end," said Tipton. "I'm proud to have played a role in this effort, and am optimistic that these programs can reach their goals in a cost-effective manner in the coming years, recover the species at issue, and safeguard the economic well being of our communities and jobs connected to these efforts. I'm hopeful that the President will quickly sign it into law."

H.R. 6060 would ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act for over 2000 water projects that withdraw water from the Colorado River, and provide water for agriculture producers, homes and other businesses, as well as clean, renewable hydroelectric power. The bill also includes spending reforms that eliminate agency inefficiencies and overhead costs, and is cost-free according to the Congressional Budget Office.

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