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Welcoming Historic Drought Mitigation Investments for Colorado
Great news: This week, we celebrated nearly $152 million from the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) for 17 Colorado River Basin conservation projects across the state. These investments come from the $4 billion I helped secure in the historic Inflation Reduction Act to address drought, restore the health of our watersheds, and invest in the future of the American West.
One highlight: This funding includes $40 million to help secure the Shoshone water rights on the Colorado River, fulfilling a long-standing goal of Coloradans to protect the environmental, economic, and agricultural resources of our state’s namesake river.
Looking back: As Colorado and the West face unprecedented drought, I’m so grateful BOR answered our calls to support the water security of Colorado basins statewide – from the Rio Grande Basin to Southwest Colorado. These investments will be critical to combat climate change, conserve water resources, and protect the Colorado River Basin.
2. Protecting Colorado Communities from Wildfire Smoke
What’s happening: Coloradans know too well the harmful effects of wildfire smoke on their long-term health and quality of life. As wildfires like those in Southern California become more frequent and destructive, we must act to protect the health of communities in Colorado and nationwide.
This week: I introduced legislation to reduce the negative health effects caused by wildfire smoke in communities across the West that are most at risk of exposure.
What I believe: This legislation is more important than ever to give our most vulnerable communities the means to protect themselves and their families from this dangerous threat. I’ll continue working to minimize the effect of harmful wildfires on our state.
3. Lowering Energy Costs for Rural Coloradans
Celebrating over $2.5 billion in USDA rural co-op funding for Colorado in October.
Looking back: In 2022, I helped ensure $13 billion for rural energy through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s clean energy programs was included in the Inflation Reduction Act. These dollars will help our state continue to lead the way to cut pollution, spur growth for rural economies, and deliver reliable, affordable energy across the state.
Good news: Since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, we’ve already welcomed nearly $3.4 billion from the USDA to support Colorado's rural electric cooperatives, farmers, and small businesses. I’m grateful for these incredible investments which are critical to our state’s clean energy transition and set the standard for the rest of the country.
4. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to honor Dr. King and his lifelong efforts to make America more just, more fair, and more free. As we look toward the future, it's up to all of us to keep Dr. King’s brave vision for peace and equality alive.
- I celebrated a new investment from the Inflation Reduction Act for the Loretto Heights Community Center in Southwest Denver. This important project is an incredible example of what can happen when Colorado communities and our federal partners come together with a shared goal.
- As fires continue to devastate Southern California, Coloradans are stepping up to help local crews meet this challenge and protect communities across the area. I’m grateful for their brave efforts.
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