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| Wilson Announces Congressional Hearing on Water Rights |
August 26, 2003 |
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| Albuquerque, NM - Congresswoman Heather Wilson today announced that the House Committee on Resources will hold an oversight field hearing in the state to learn more about New Mexico water rights issues in the wake of a precedent-setting court ruling.
Wilson invited Chairman Richard Pombo to visit New Mexico to hear from New Mexicans on water rights issues, including the effect of a ruling by the 10th Circuit Court in June. Wilson spoke to Pombo the day of the court ruling and asked him to hold a Resources Committee field hearing in the state.
"The court`s decision has enormous consequences for all Western states, where water is such a valuable resource and critical part of the economy," said Wilson. "Certainly, that`s true in New Mexico where the cities of Santa Fe and Albuquerque and hundreds of ranchers and farmers rely on this water. This decision sets a precedent we can`t allow to stand. This is an important opportunity for New Mexicans to share their concerns about our water rights with key Congressional leaders."
Wilson offered legislation in July that specified that federal funding from the FY04 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill cannot be used to release water from the San Juan Chama Project or the Middle Rio Grande Project, for the purpose of complying with the Endangered Species Act of 1973. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson expressed his support for Wilson`s efforts. "I support the amendment that you plan to offer to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill," said Governor Richardson in a letter to Wilson the day she offered her amendment. "It is consistent with our efforts to resolve the dispute involving the endangered Silvery Minnow and the future of Albuquerque`s water supply."
Chairman of the Resources Committee Richard Pombo, Congressman Steve Pearce, Congresswoman Heather Wilson, Congressman Tom Udall, and Congressman Ken Calvert will direct the hearing, which is open to the public and the media. Pearce and Wilson will hold a media availability following the hearing. Witnesses for the hearing are by invitation only.
Silvery Minnow Field Hearing Details
The Committee on Resources will conduct an oversight field hearing on the Silvery Minnow`s Impact on New Mexico, to be held at Belen High School, 1619 West Delgado in Belen, New Mexico on September 6, 2003 at 9 A.M. Witnesses are by invitation only.
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