Flaming Gorge Pipeline Faces Opposition

The proposal to use a pipeline to transport water from the Green River to the Colorado Front Range faces strong opposition from Western Resource Advocates and some other conservation groups.  Attorney Rob Harris filed formal objections onthe groups’ behalf to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is reviewing the plan.  Harris says the project is too expensive, could cause environmental damage and could even cause problems for the multi-state water compact.

“You know there is some big questions about how much water we have left in that compact.  Also, there are lots of issues important to folks in southwestern Wyoming like recreation on Green River and Flaming Gorge Reservoir.”

One of those issues has to do with fish.

“There’s a lot of issues surrounding endangered fish just below the dam there.  And the water that is stored in Flaming Gorge Reservoir incredibly important to ensuring that existing uses of Green River water stay compliant under the endangered species act.”

Harris also disputes the suggestion that Colorado is entitled to the water.  The plan by Aaron Million is being reviewed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 

Government leaders in both Wyoming and Colorado also have concerns about the project.