Feds Deny Drought Relief Funding for Tribes’ Unused Water
TL/DR –
Tribes in the upper Colorado River basin are seeking compensation for water they are entitled to but aren’t using, with hopes to be included in a new round of federal funding through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for conservation programs. However, it appears that tribal forbearance programs will not be included in the B2W program, according to Lorelei Cloud, vice chair of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Tribes are pushing for structural inclusion and compensation for their unused water rights, pointing out that their water has been propping up the Colorado River system for decades, despite a lack of infrastructure and high operation and maintenance costs.
Colorado River Tribal Water Rights Remains An Issue
Upper Colorado River basin tribes continue the battle for compensation for their unused water entitlement. Despite previous indications to the contrary, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s latest funding doesn’t cover this, according to Southern Ute Indian Tribe Vice Chair, Lorelei Cloud.
Unfulfilled Expectations
Federal conservation program funding was expected to pay tribes for their unutilized water. However, Cloud revealed that the Bureau of Reclamation has rescinded the inclusion of tribal programs in the B2W program. Cloud calls for the decision to be reversed.
Struggle for Inclusion
Despite repeated pleas for help in advocating their case to federal officials, tribes remain largely marginalized in policy discussions. Cloud emphasized the need for change.
Advocacy for Tribal Inclusion
Becky Mitchell, Colorado’s representative to the Upper Colorado River Commission, urged more tribal participation in water conservation funding. She vowed to continue the fight to rectify historical injustices.
Water Rights Forbearance
Forbearance, essentially paying water-rights holders for their unused water, helps alleviate river flow decrease caused by drought and climate change. Some tribes, such as Southern Ute, have substantial water rights but are unable to access it due to lack of infrastructure and high costs.
Advocates for Change
Jay Weiner, representing the Quechan Indian Tribe, asserted the importance of forbearance in achieving sustainable Colorado River management. Without meaningful tribal participation, the management system will remain unstable, Weiner said.
The Necessity of Rectifying Historical Wrongs
Addressing historical wrongs through forbearance is crucial. Tribes have been largely sidelined in decision-making processes surrounding the Colorado River basin’s policy. The Upper Basin’s next round of funding does not include tribal forbearance, a situation tribes and supporters are keen to change.
An official from the Bureau of Reclamation declared that both tribal and non-tribal projects are eligible for funding if they contribute to system water conservation. Despite this, the Upper Basin states, through the Upper Colorado River Commission, pledged to increase tribal involvement but fell short of offering them voting rights.
Seeking Support
Cloud urged people to contact their congressional representatives, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton to advocate for the inclusion of tribal forbearance projects in future rounds of funding.
Aspen Journalism provided this story. Aspen Journalism is a non-profit, investigative news organization covering water, environment, and social justice issues.
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