Kempthorne wants Colorado River water pact from states next year

[NVMojo]

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told water officials from seven Western states Friday that he expects an agreement on sharing Colorado River water during periods of drought "signed, sealed and delivered" next year.

Kempthorne used his first appearance before the annual Colorado River Water Users Association conference to emphasize philosophy over policy and consensus over conflict.

"I view my role less as a water master of the Colorado River than as a mayor of the river," he said in his speech before several hundred officials from states that draw water from the river. The two-day conference at Caesars Palace ended Friday.

Recalling his days as mayor of Boise, Idaho, Kempthorne made it clear he intends to "take whatever steps are needed to ensure the neighborhood runs properly."

"But only if and when such steps become necessary."

Kempthorne, a former Idaho governor and Republican senator, took over as interior secretary in May from Gale Norton, who threatened two years ago to impose a federal water-sharing plan if the seven states using Colorado River water could not reach consensus.

more...

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nevada/2006/dec/15/121510422.html

[tularetom]

1. Somebody needs to do this - it's been going on since the 20's

The water has been overcommitted since before the construction of Hoover Dam. The underdeveloped "upper basin" states (Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah) have seen the water they couldn't use go to the lower basin (Nevada, Arizona and California) and now the river can no longer produce the original allotments but the lower basin has become dependent on the water and the upper basin is ready to take their share. Kempthorne's approach seems a bit heavy handed but perhaps that's what is needed.

[NVMojo]

3. it probably has something to do with this deal:

Las Vegas ...

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/35738.php

[Erika]

2. Kempthorne never made a deal that didn't profit him personally

He is an original Southern Californian who locked into the good ole boys in Idaho. If there's bucks in the deal for him and his friends, he'll go for it.