Tipton Supports Conservation of Endangered Colorado River Fish Species

Statement

Today during a House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power legislative hearing, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) spoke in support of a measure geared at restoring the populations of four endangered fish species in the Colorado River. The Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2012 (H.R. 6060), of which Tipton is a cosponsor, ensures compliance with the Endangered Species Act for over 1,600 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.

In his opening statement, Tipton told the subcommittee:

"The Endangered Fish Recovery Act of 2012, 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. These programs are supported by a broad swath of stakeholders, from local towns and counties to environmental groups, to private industry, and are excellent examples of local solutions in lieu of onerous federal management and over-regulation.

"I am also pleased to see the cost reforms in this legislation included at the request of Chairman McClintock. By cutting overhead costs and eliminating inefficient agency spending we can help ensure the success of the programs while minimizing the taxpayer investment necessary to achieve that end.

"I'm optimistic that these programs can reach their goals in the coming years, recover the species at issue, and safeguard the economic well being of our communities and jobs connected to these efforts."

H.R. 6060 will now go to the full House Natural Resources Committee for a markup.

Source