Victory for the San Luis Valley: Water Safe from Renewable Water Resources' Water Grab

Statement

This week, the San Luis Valley won a major victory when Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon came out in opposition to Renewable Water Resources' current plan to steal water from the San Luis Valley's aquifers.

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert said, "Renewable Water Resources' plan to steal the San Luis Valley's water is dead for now. I have been working closely with farmers, ranchers, water districts, and local officials throughout the San Luis Valley to stop this water grab. Stealing seven billion gallons of water per year from the San Luis Valley to pump to the Denver suburbs, and using $10 million of COVID money in the process, was a terrible plan. I will continue to oppose all efforts to steal the San Luis Valley's water, and I hope that this significant victory sends a strong message to everyone that the people of the San Luis Valley will always fight for their water, and that they fight to win."

Background:

In February, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert met with farmers, ranchers, local officials, water district managers, and others throughout the San Luis Valley to build a coalition opposing Renewable Water Resources' (RWR's) plan to steal seven billion gallons of water per year from the San Luis Valley to pump to the Denver suburbs. Additionally, Congresswoman Boebert published an op-ed in the Alamosa Citizen and Colorado Politics explaining her strong opposition to the plan and her support of the San Luis Valley's agricultural community.

Yesterday, during a Douglas County Commissioners' meeting, Commissioner Abe Laydon indicated that he would not support the use of COVID funds to support the water grab. Commissioner Laydon joined Commissioner Lora Thomas, who has been a champion on this issue, in opposition to RWR's plan. With 2 of the 3 Commissioners opposing the current plan, it is dead in its current form. Commissioner Laydon cited the county's legal counsel's memo detailing 26 concerns with RWR's proposal. RWR's plan to steal the San Luis Valley's water was legally flawed from the beginning and would require changing preexisting water rules and regulations.

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