Senators Hickenlooper and Curtis Secure Passage of Bipartisan Snowpack Monitoring Bill to Combat Western Drought
U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and John Curtis (R-UT) announced the Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation, the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Reauthorization Act. This bill aims to enhance the prediction and measurement of water supply, crucial for managing drought conditions across the Western United States. The region, including Colorado and Utah, is currently experiencing a historic 1,200-year climate-driven drought, which has led to record low snowpack levels in Colorado. The legislation reauthorizes the Bureau of Reclamation’s (BOR) Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program through 2031, ensuring continued funding of $15 million over five years. It also updates existing authorization language to prioritize water supply forecasting activities that support interstate water management decisions. Companion legislation, introduced by Colorado Representatives Joe Neguse and Jeff Hurd, has already passed the House. The bill is supported by a broad coalition of organizations, including Ame...
