Governors of 10 Western states meeting to discuss drought

The governors of 10 Western states began a three-day meeting Wednesday in Lake Tahoe to tackle drought and other problems that don’t respect state boundaries.

The Western Governors’ Association, chaired by Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, will also address energy and transportation at its annual meeting.

However, any substantial policy changes on issues such as the drought or the potential endangered species listing of the sage grouse will require cooperation between historically independent Western states and the federal government.

Interior Secretary Sally Jewel addressed the governors Wednesday and took sometimes heated questions on federal policies involving the sage grouse and drought response. She said working together was preferable to surrendering control to Congress.

“We’re not the enemy,” she said. “We actually work collectively.”

Sandoval, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and governors from Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, Alaska and Guam agreed that collectively addressing the issues with federal officials took precedence over tussles on public land control and environmental policy.

Drought is a major unifying issue for the governors, who released a new report on Wednesday detailing best practices for states to mitigate the effects of drought.

Sandoval, who launched the initiative, said addressing the extreme drought gripping California, Nevada, Arizona and other states is hugely important to the future of thirsty urban areas.

“What is certain is that this unprecedented drought is a critical issue, if not the critical issue, facing the West today,” he said.

The report outlines seven themes and general recommendations for states to stretch their shrinking water supplies, including ways to more efficiently use wastewater, better track soil moisture levels, work with other states and invest in water infrastructure.

It cites several examples, including a project in the Nevada town of Primm that treats wastewater from hotels and casino and recycles it to cool a nearby power plant. The report also credits Denver Water for investing in toilet replacement rebates and other reductions, driving down water demand to 1973 levels.

Deloitte water strategy consultant Will Sarni said that businesses and governments need to make permanent adjustments to better use existing water sources, but said the problem would unify diverse groups.

“No one denies we all need water, that we all need water to grow and to thrive,” he said. “Regardless of your political affiliation, or whether you’re a multinational, or whether you’re a government, or a nonprofit, you can align on that.”

Drought isn’t the only issue on the table ai??i?? governors also expressed fear that a pending September decision on whether or not to place sage grouse, with large populations in Nevada and Utah, on an endangered species list, could cut back on economic development and land development throughout the West.

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead said states needed to work together on issues like the potential sage grouse listing.

“We recognize as Western governors that one state can do a great job but if the rest of the states are struggling, then we’re in danger of a listing,” he said. “This is not just a listing. 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