Polis on Water

Newly inaugurated Governor Jared Polis had a low-key and positive start on water. His natural resource transition included Hickenlooper’s in-house water expert, John Stulp. Water policy in his State of the State address was only one paragraph, but it succinctly supported the State Water Plan and advocated getting it funded. He linked Colorado’s water to its agricultural needs, which is one of the key principles of the plan. That is, preserving agriculture in Colorado requires intelligent and prudent water management.

State of the State on Water

“The lifeblood of our agriculture industry is water – which is why we must commit to a bipartisan and sustainable funding source for the Colorado Water Plan. Governor Hickenlooper, along with the leadership of John Stulp, did extraordinary work bringing together a coalition of Coloradans from all corners of our state to create the Water Plan. Now we’re going to do our part by implementing it. State of the State address, Jan. 10, 2019

Gov. Jared Polis delivers his first State of the State address to a joint session of
the Colorado General Assembly, Jan. 10, 2019 | Colorado Channel screen shot

His heads of the departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture will bring new perspectives to the agencies. Dan Gibbs at the Department of Natural Resources has a long political track record associated with staff and appointed positions with Mark Udall and Bill Ritter. Most recently, he has been a Summit County commissioner.

Kate Greenberg, the new Agricultural Department commissioner, is less well known, but is the western field director of an organization called the National Young Farmers Coalition. She’s based in Durango.

Dealing with the water gap that is well identified in the State Plan is essential to protect irrigated agriculture and support the state’s quality of life and economy. The largest number of residential, business and agricultural water users are in the Arkansas and Platte basins. Their needs must be balanced with other users and uses, including recreation, wildlife and aesthetics.