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Fighting for Colorado's Water Interests
What’s happening: Last week, the seven states that rely on the Colorado River, including Colorado, failed to reach a consensus on how to manage the river and its major reservoirs. Recent projections show that reservoir levels are set to sink to a critical low by the end of this year and Colorado continues to deal with one of the driest winters in decades. As of now, it is unclear what this failed deadline means for the future of negotiations. Possibilities range from involving the states in a compromise with shared responsibility to President Trump’s Bureau of Reclamation imposing its own plan to the U.S. Supreme Court having to intervene.
What I believe: The last thing we need is the Trump Administration forcing a solution that doesn't work for the Upper Basin. I’m also worried about the prospect of spending millions of Colorado's taxpayer dollars to let the Supreme Court decide our fate, taking decisions out of Colorado’s hands. We cannot litigate our way out of this prolonged drought. I trust our state will stay at the table to find the best possible outcome. As Colorado faces a hotter and drier future due to climate change, we must find a way to preserve Colorado’s vibrant communities, economy, and way of life.
2. Standing Up to Trump’s EPA
 
What’s happening: Over the last two months, President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made two extreme changes regarding air pollution regulation:
1) EPA announced it will no longer count health benefits, only industry costs, when conducting cost-benefit analysis for new Clean Air Act rules that limit
dangerous pollutants.
2) EPA rescinded the 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” a scientific determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health, which underpinned the federal government’s authority to limit those emissions under the Clean Air Act.
In both of these changes, EPA abdicated its duty to protect Americans' health by outright ignoring clear directives from the Supreme Court and Congress as well as decades of precedent, research, and clear scientific consensus.
What I believe: It is clear that the Trump Administration is more interested in playing political games than helping improve the lives of Coloradans. We owe it to the next generation to confront climate change and pollution head-on.
What I’m doing: This week, I called for an investigation of the EPA’s decision to disregard health benefits in air pollution regulations with 30 of my Senate Democratic colleagues. I also joined 40 of my Senate Democratic colleagues to demand more information on the repeal of the 2009 “Endangerment Finding”. Fighting to ensure that Colorado leads the nation in cutting pollution, advancing clean energy innovation, and driving our country toward a net-zero economy remains a top priority for me.
4. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
- On Tuesday, we lost civil rights activist and U.S. Shadow Senator Reverend Jesse Jackson. Reverend Jackson devoted his life to lifting up the voices of those who are too often forgotten and building coalitions to enact real change. He embodied the highest ideals of liberty and equality and challenged the rest of us to do the same. His legacy of steadfast commitment to justice will continue on.
- Last week, I was honored to meet with the Ute Mountain Ute's Tribal Council in Towaoc. My government-to-government relationship with both Colorado Ute Tribes is one of my most important responsibilities as Senator. I will continue to show up, listen, and fight alongside the Tribes for clean water, cultural sovereignty, and a strong future for Tribal youth.
- Ramadan Mubarak, Colorado! I wish Muslim families here in Colorado and around the world a time filled with reflection, gratitude, and community. I hope this sacred month brings renewal and strength to you and your loved ones.
- Colorado is ringing in the Lunar New Year! As one of only a few states to recognize Lunar New Year as an official state holiday, Colorado celebrates the Year of the Fire Horse — representing powerful energy, momentum, and transformation. May this new year bring you good health, abundance, and new beginnings.
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