PHX Reporter

Washington, D.C. – On April 11, the Bureau of Reclamation released the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for Near-term Colorado River Operations, an environmental analysis outlining alternatives and tools needed to manage drought in the Colorado River Basin and strengthen water security in the West.

Rep. Ruben Gallego, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, issued the following statement:

“Today’s draft SEIS release is an important step in addressing the historic drought conditions affecting the Colorado River. As multiple alternatives are considered, I encourage the Bureau of Reclamation—as well as all the basin states—to keep in mind that Arizona has been a leader in voluntary conservation. I will continue working with my colleagues, the Biden-Harris administration, and the other basin states to find a solution that both protects Arizona’s water and is equitable and fair to all parties involved.”

Last year, Rep. Gallego penned an Op-Ed in the Tucson Sentinel touting Arizona’s voluntary water conservation efforts and urging neighboring states to do the same.

In February, Rep. Gallego announced $128 Million in federal funding was heading to Arizona to settle Indian water rights claims. Last Congress, he introduced. The Domestic Water Protection Act of 2022, a bill aimed at addressing the abuse of water resources by foreign governments in drought-stricken states like Arizona.

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Rep. Ruben Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee.

Original source can be found here.