|
Hi there — After two decades of drought, the Western water crisis is, in my view, one of the greatest challenges facing our nation today, but it was hardly a footnote in last night’s State of the Union address. That's why I brought a special guest with me last night to highlight the threats facing our most vital resource: Our water. His name is Paul Bruchez, and he’s a rancher from Kremmling, CO. For five generations, Paul and his family have relied on the upper Colorado River. It is their livelihood, their legacy, and their home. But in recent years, Paul has seen the river begin to dry, forcing him and his neighbors into action. Paul told his family’s story in a short film about the water crisis, and he’s working with other ranchers and landowners to conserve the river and the life it sustains. His tireless efforts took shape in a twelve mile restoration of the Colorado River. Hardworking Coloradans like Paul are on the frontlines of the fight to save our waterways, and Congress, state, and local leaders need to do more to support their work. Add your name if you agree we need to act boldly and with urgency to conserve our waterways and address drought in the Colorado River Basin.
As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m calling on my colleagues to join me in addressing Western drought and make new investments in conservation, forests, and watersheds through this year’s Farm Bill. Last year, I secured $4 billion to address drought in the Colorado River Basin in the Inflation Reduction Act, but I see that as only a down-payment on the work that must be done to conserve our water supply and support sustainable agriculture. And with Republicans now in the House majority, taking action to protect our environment will be even harder. We need to stand together and speak out loudly to secure the resources Coloradans, like Paul, need to save our watershed.
Thank you for reading and for standing with us. Michael |
