Executive Director's Notebook: Water remains a top priority

Water has long been a signature issue for Western states. Given last year’s drought and projections that this year will continue the trend, water remains a top priority.

That’s why I embraced an opportunity to address a recent gathering co-hosted by the Western States Water Council and WGA. The council represents 17 Western states on water resource issues, so it was a perfect opportunity to share how the Western governors we work for can continue to provide clean, reliable water for their citizens and natural environment.

I also shared the important role the water council, created in 1965 by resolution at a WGA conference, has played in recent years as our partner. In addition to ongoing efforts to facilitate cooperation among western states in the conservation and management of water, the council was instrumental in our recent report Water Transfers in the West.

Several other speakers shared insights, including Harris Sherman, USDA undersecretary for natural resources and environment, and John Stulp, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper’s Special Policy Advisor on water. The message reached a wide audience that came from 12 states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Utah and North Dakota.

 By the way: Did you know that WGA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) publish “Quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlook,” a quarterly publication that features predictions for drought conditions? See the latest report

 

James Ogsbury is the Executive Director of the Western Governors’ Association. Contact him at 303-623-9378 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.