David Skaggs: “I want to focus briefly on one section of this conference report that's particularly important for Colorado and other…”

“I want to focus briefly on one section of this conference report that's particularly important for Colorado and other western States where municipal water supply facilities are located on or above National Forest lands. During its consideration of this bill, the Senate adopted an amendment by Colorado's senior Senator that would have amended existing laws applicable to the National Forest System. The amendment was explained as a response to Forest Service proposals that renewal of permits for water facilities serving several Colorado municipalities be accompanied by changes in the management of those facilities that would result in smaller diversions from streams on National Forest lands. In arid States like Colorado, Mr. Speaker, no issues are more sensitive and important than those relating to water. So, even though I had very serious concerns about how his amendment would affect management of the National Forests, I understood why Senator Brown attached such importance to this matter. But I was disappointed to note that in his explanation of the amendment, the Senator referred to Boulder, a city located in my congressional district.”