Joint Resolution Regarding Utah's Share of Colorado River Water
Summary
HJR009 is a Utah House Joint Resolution addressing the state’s share of Colorado River water. The resolution recites the history of the 1922 Colorado River Compact and the 1948 Upper Colorado River Basin Compact, explains the importance of the river to Utah and the broader West, and emphasizes that Utah receives 23% of the Upper Basin share. It also notes that a large share of Utah residents depend on Colorado River water for agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses.
The resolution’s operative statement declares Utah’s position that any basin state should be able to use its Colorado River allocation anywhere within that state’s geographic boundaries. In practical terms, it is a policy statement rather than a regulatory bill: it does not appropriate money, create a new program, or directly amend Utah statutes. Instead, it expresses the Legislature’s view on interstate water allocation and the use of compact water within state lines.
Impact
Because HJR009 is a joint resolution, it does not change Utah’s statutory code or directly alter water rights administration. Its impact is primarily declaratory and political, signaling Utah’s position in ongoing Colorado River negotiations and interstate compact discussions. The resolution may be used to support future advocacy, litigation positions, or negotiations concerning how Upper Basin water allocations can be used within a state, especially in relation to the historic interpretation that Upper Basin water cannot be used in the Lower Basin.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong support and no recorded opposition: the House committee recommended the resolution favorably 11-0, the House passed it 65-0, and the Senate committee also gave a favorable recommendation 5-0. The bill text itself frames the issue in terms of state sovereignty, water security, and fairness in using allocated water where it is needed. Overall, the sentiment appears strongly supportive and consensus-driven.
Contention
The main point of contention, as reflected in the resolution’s findings, is the interpretation of the Colorado River Compact system—particularly whether water allocated to an Upper Basin state can be used at locations within that state that lie in the Lower Basin. The resolution takes Utah’s position that such intrastate use should be allowed. While no committee transcript shows active debate or recorded dissent, the issue is inherently tied to interstate water rights, compact interpretation, and competing claims among basin states over scarce Colorado River supplies.