Bill > HJR009

This joint resolution addresses Utah's position on Colorado River water usage, highlighting the river's critical importance to the Western United States. The resolution provides context about the 1922 Colorado River Compact, which divided the river basin into Upper and Lower Basins and allocated 7.5 million acre-feet of water annually to each basin. It emphasizes that Utah is allocated 23% of the Upper Basin's water share and that approximately 60% of Utah residents depend on the Colorado River for their water needs. The key provision of the resolution declares that any basin state should have the right to use its Colorado River water allocation anywhere within that state's geographic boundaries, effectively seeking greater flexibility in water usage. This stance is rooted in Utah's commitment to managing its water resources efficiently amid population growth and development, while asserting the state's sovereign right to utilize its water resources as needed.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HJR009.html