Committee supports bill to move Colorado River Authority into DNR and expand board

Representative Chu presented HB 473 Sub 1, which creates a new statutory title for Colorado River governance, transfers reporting from the governor’s office to the Department of Natural Resources, increases the authority board from seven to ten members, and adds appointment and quorum rules. The bill designates the river commissioner as the authority chair, sets four‑year terms for future appointees, and explicitly empowers coordination with the attorney general’s office to prepare for potential litigation.

Cody Stewart of the Colorado River Authority and Joel Ferry, DNR director, told the committee the measure strengthens Utah’s capacity to prepare for the ‘‘next phase’’ of Colorado River negotiations and litigation, citing Lake Powell and Lake Mead at record low levels and the need for nimble authority action. Public comment from a Grand County commissioner emphasized local representation and the value of having more voices from river communities on the board.

Representative Albrecht moved the committee to support the bill; the motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

What’s next: HB 473 received a favorable committee recommendation to support statutory changes moving the authority into DNR and expanding its governance.