As the State Senator for a large portion of the Western Slope, protecting Colorado’s water is one of my top priorities. We secured several landmark legislative and funding victories this year to ensure Colorado’s headwaters, rivers, streams and wetlands are supported for years to come. Here is a recap of the year’s most important efforts in water.

I worked closely with legislative and community partners in 2023 to create the Colorado River Drought Task Force, and after their hard work, Republican Senator Perry Will and I introduced a bill to implement their recommendations. SB24-197  creates new protections for water used by our agriculture producers, increases water funding and creates incentives for more river flows to protect the natural environment.

One other key section of the bill will be especially important for Northwest Colorado’s economic transition. This new law will protect Yampa River water from abandonment as Tri-State and Xcel pursue future energy development opportunities in the area. We want to keep energy generation jobs in Northwest Colorado and securing these water rights is a crucial part to do so.