Western Senators reintroduce legislation to protect private water rights

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho) joined Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), reintroduced the Water Rights Protection Act, legislation to protect privately owned waters from being seized by the federal government.

“Private water rights and states’ ability to regulate them have been recognized since the West was settled. In Idaho, we’ve been managing water longer than we’ve been a state. Water is ingrained in everything from our industries to Idaho’s constitution. I’m proud to cosponsor the Water Rights Protection Act to protect Idaho’s right to Idaho water for generations to come,” said Risch.

For the full story, pick up a copy of the Mountain Home News or click on this link to subscribe to the newspaper’s online edition.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: