To provide for a memorandum of understanding to address the impacts of a certain record of decision on the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund.
Impact
If enacted, HB9969 will empower the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to develop a structured action plan that targets several critical areas. These include addressing operational obligations and infrastructure maintenance responsibilities stemming from the effects of the record of decision, which may notably influence hydropower productivity and grid reliability at the Glen Canyon Dam. Additionally, the plan is required to cope with financial implications associated with the potential need to replace energy resources affected by changes in hydropower output.
Summary
House Bill 9969 is introduced to facilitate a memorandum of understanding that aims to assess and address the impacts arising from a recent record of decision concerning the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund. This decision is linked to the Glen Canyon Dam's long-term operational modifications, specifically the 'Supplement to the 2016 Glen Canyon Dam Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan Record of Decision' published in July 2024. The bill seeks to ensure that the implications of this record on hydropower and related ecological concerns are systematically evaluated and planned for.
Contention
A significant point of contention surrounding HB9969 revolves around environmental concerns, particularly regarding the effects on species designated as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The bill mandates that the memorandum of understanding includes an analysis of how the decision impacts these species, indicating a blend of water resource management and ecological considerations. This dual approach raises discussions about balancing human power needs with ecological sustainability in the context of the region's delicate environmental framework.