Political Quotes

“I, too, would like to stand and raise a concern with regard to the language in the legislation dealing with federally reserved water rights. Water has been an issue in many of our wilderness debates over the last few years, and one of the current concerns I have in a State that is now dealing with wilderness legislation is the precedent that may be set by this kind of legislation in terms of whether we adequately protect the States against further Federal control of water decisions. As I understand it, originally the language in this act which had been resolved between many of the disputing parties had stated, in section 4(b)(2)(A), that nothing in the act would be construed as the creation, recognition, disclaimer, relinquishment, or reduction of any water rights held by the United States in the State of Montana on or before the enactment of this act. But that now, as I understand it, the words 'creation and recognition' have been deleted from that phrase, leaving open the question now as to whether this act does in fact create or recognize Federal rights over water decisions in the States by the enactment of this legislation. I have been made aware by many groups in Montana who are concerned about this and about the impact that this will have on water decisions, particularly about the impact that legislation of this type will have not only in Montana but in States like my own of Idaho or elsewhere. We can protect wilderness lands.…”