As we revealed a few weeks ago, there were many efforts underway by the State of Utah to exert more control on the Colorado River. And we are here to report that one of those efforts in the statehouse is waiting for Governor Cox’s signature.
HB311 gives the Utah Water Agent, which is already shielded from public disclosure laws, more leverage to negotiate on matters for dam, diversion, and pipeline projects relating to the Colorado River (and the Bear River, a major Great Salt Lake tributary).
Indeed, that river-related bill delivers a message that Utah will be looking to its Water Agent to make deals on major waterways.
However, HJR9 failed to pass — which is welcome news. The bill was merely messaging, but it had a screaming effect.
In spirit, the legislation sought to override federal law and undermine a longstanding rule that Colorado River water can only be used in certain parts of the state.
With the legislative session now over, we will see how HB311 plays out in practice and if Utah will continue to send a message to the rest of the Colorado River Basin that looks a lot like what’s written on the Gadsden Flag
