Assembly Member

Kelvin D. Atkinson

Nevada

Representative

Craig Johnson

Alaska

This committee provides western legislators a forum to discuss growing and competing demands of western water and public lands. The West holds the vast majority of our country’s federal lands and has experienced the highest level of population growth, thereby straining the region’s limited water resources. Committee members engage in policy discussions and information exchange about how to better manage water and public land resources in the West. The committee also promotes partnerships with regional organizations such as the Western Governors’ Association, Western States Water Council, and others in an effort to develop robust regional strategies to address western water and public land issues.

For more information on the WATER and PUBLIC LANDS COMMITTEE

Please contact CSG-WEST staff:

Edgar Ruiz, phone (916) 553-4423 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2009 Highlights: Members of the Water and Public Lands Committee learned about western water projects included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and received a perspective from the New Mexico State Engineer about water issues in the West. Members also discussed the role of water in energy production and federal legislation aimed at amending the Clean Water Act.

2008 Highlights: The Western Water and Public Lands Committee provided legislators an opportunity to discuss and hear from distinguished speakers on federal–state land management practices and revenue sharing in the West. The forum also focused on water management strategies to address changing demographic growth and climate variability.

2007 Highlights: The committee reviewed impacts of climate change and demographic shifts on western water supplies, sustainable management, and the integration of water and land use planning. The committee also was briefed on school trust land issues and pending federal water and public lands legislation.

2006 Highlights: The committee convened a day-long Colorado River Basin Forum where lawmakers discussed management of this important river system. In addition, legislators met with experts on water management practices in the Columbia River basin and looked at groundwater water supplies in the West.

2005 Highlights: The committee focused on the critical issues related to drought and the future of the Colorado and Columbia River basins. Lawmakers discussed federal water management efforts in the West and strategies to integrate water and land use planning. Legislators also discussed the delicate balance between meeting the region’s energy demands and protecting the West’s natural resources.