Colorado holds a pivotal position in North American water resources, as the headwaters of four major rivers—the Platte, Rio Grande, Colorado, and Arkansas—supply water to vast regions west of the Mississippi. To ensure the prosperity of local farms, ranches, towns, cities, and wildlife, as well as downstream users, Colorado must maintain leadership in watershed conservation. As your congressperson, I am committed to facilitating this leadership.

Water rights in the West are a complex issue, governed by doctrines like prior appropriation ("first in time, first in right") and interstate compacts. Increasing population and development are placing greater demands on these finite resources, leading to heightened disputes. Furthermore, climate change is exacerbating these challenges, with reduced snowpack, increased evaporation, and more frequent droughts impacting water availability.

To address these challenges, I will actively facilitate collaborative efforts. This will involve:

 * Convening Regular Stakeholder Meetings: I will organize regular meetings with local, state, and federal agencies, Native American tribes, agricultural stakeholders, and urban water users to foster open dialogue and build consensus.

 * Supporting Federal Legislation: I will champion federal legislation that:

   * Increases federal funding for water infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to irrigation systems and municipal water treatment plants.

   * Develops federal incentives for water-wise agriculture and urban landscaping, promoting efficient water use in both rural and urban settings.

   * Creates a federal task force to study and address the impacts of climate change on Western water resources, ensuring data-driven policy decisions.

   * Supports legislation that protects and strengthens tribal water rights.

 * Facilitating Interstate Collaboration: I will work to strengthen interstate collaboration and ensure adherence to existing water compacts, promoting equitable water allocation and resolving interstate disputes.

 * Advocating for Tribal Water Rights: I will work to ensure that Native American tribal water rights are recognized and respected in all water-related discussions and agreements.

 * Promoting Public Awareness: I will use my platform to raise public awareness about water conservation and the importance of sustainable water management practices.

By proactively addressing these issues through collaboration, legislation, and public awareness, I am committed to safeguarding Colorado's water resources for current and future generations.