Committee approves amendment to limit Colorado River water for replenishment to permitted facilities; tribes and CAP raise scope concerns

House Bill 2263 would allow diverted first-priority main-stem Colorado River water to be used for replenishment in active management areas only if delivered to a permitted groundwater savings facility on state or private land, or a facility owned by a multi-county water conservation district. The Griffin amendment clarified the bill applies to first-priority main-stem diversions.

Why it matters: CAP and tribal representatives said the proposed restrictions could exclude facilities where the CAP already stores water — including tribal facilities, certain USFs and other locations — and that the bill as drafted creates confusion about what would be permitted going forward. Jeff Gray (CAP) cited specific facilities that would be excluded and urged a deeper review; Tom Farley (Colorado River Indian Tribes) said the bill can be read in multiple ways and urged additional stakeholder work.

Committee action: The committee adopted the Griffin amendment and returned HB2263 with a due-pass recommendation. Roll-call commentary recorded several members saying they expect sponsors to work with stakeholders on clarifications before floor consideration.

What’s next: Sponsors signaled willingness to continue discussions with tribes, CAP and other stakeholders to refine the statutory language before committee and floor action.