EDF Lauds Colorado Gov. Jared Polis’ Support for Water in State of the State Address

(DENVER, COLO – Jan. 10, 2019) – Environmental Defense Fund joined several conservation and sportsmen’s groups today in praising Gov. Jared Polis’ commitment to supporting Colorado’s Water Plan and ensuring the state’s water security in his first state of the state address.

During the address, Polis committed to providing bipartisan, sustainable funding for Colorado’s Water Plan. Polis commended his predecessor Gov. John Hickenlooper’s role in developing the Water Plan, and pledged that his administration would do its part to improve and implement that plan.

Colorado’s Water Plan forecasts a statewide deficit between water supply and demand by 2050. The Colorado River Basin is in its 19th year of drought, with major shortages predicted to start as early as this year.

“Governor Polis’ remarks are a recognition not only of the importance of water to Colorado families, but of the water challenges that Colorado could face and how imperative it is that Colorado secures its water future.

“It will take sustained action and investment to turn these ideas into reality, and we look forward to working with the governor and the state legislature to realize them.”

• Brian Jackson, Associate Director, Stakeholder Projects, Environmental Defense Fund