Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Shoshone Water Rights Decision

DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie today released the following statement after the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) voted to approve the Shoshone water rights acquisition. This step brings Colorado closer to securing two water rights associated with the Shoshone Power Plant, including one of the state’s most significant Colorado River water rights, for permanent instream flow protection.

Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon: 

“I’m thrilled Colorado is seizing an opportunity to secure durable solutions for the Colorado River. From outdoor enthusiasts and mountain communities to farmers and native species, we all depend on Colorado’s water. Securing the Shoshone water rights will help Colorado strengthen its protections for both Western Slope and Front Range users and uphold the Colorado way of life. 

“As Colorado moves forward in this process, I’d like to thank CWCB for its ongoing commitment to ensuring Colorado’s water rights are exercised as intended in perpetuity. Taking action now means we can better secure Colorado’s water future for generations to come.” 

In 2024, a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Speaker McCluskie spearheaded a $20 million appropriation to the River District for the purchase of the Shoshone Water Rights. Speaker McCluskie is a legislative champion for Colorado’s water rights, sponsoring legislation to restore critical protections to Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands after the US Supreme Court stripped away federal protections. She’s also sponsored bills to establish the Colorado River Drought Task Force, invest in conservation and protection projects, and drive sports betting revenue toward water projects.