Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Extension Act of 2012

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRIJALVA. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 6060 authorizes the use of power revenues to fund two recovery programs in the Upper Colorado and San Juan Rivers. Since 2011, Reclamation has continued to fund these programs at a cost of about $3 million annually, using its existing authority.

We support the intent of H.R. 6060 to recover listed species while allowing water and power operations to continue. We share the administration's commitment to this program. We also welcome the majority's recognition that compliance with the Endangered Species Act does not mean that water and power projects in the West go dry or go dark. This program provides ESA compliance for 2,320 water projects. These projects deliver more than 3.7 million acre-feet of water per year to Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

We are concerned, however, that the Republican rules only allow for the reauthorization of this program to 2019 versus the original goal of 2023. While we agree this legislation should move, it should be clear that, at least on our side of the aisle, our commitment to this program through 2023 has not changed.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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