Senate committee backs CWCB nominees as directors warn of drought challenges

The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously on March 5 to forward three nominees to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.

Lauren Riss, executive director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, introduced lorelei (Lorelei) Cloud (Southwestern Basin reappointment), Nathan Coombs (Rio Grande Basin reappointment) and Allen Ward (Arkansas Basin new appointment). Riss described the CWCB’s mission "to conserve, develop, protect, and manage Colorado's water for present and future generations," noting responsibilities that include flood mitigation, watershed protection, drought planning and project financing.

Lorelei Cloud identified herself with her tribal affiliation and said representing indigenous stewardship of water had been meaningful: "I've really enjoyed representing the state of Colorado in this capacity." Nathan Coombs thanked staff and leadership for their work. Allen Ward emphasized long experience in water resources and called the coming period a particular challenge, saying Colorado looks like it is "going into a very severe drought period" and stressing the need to adapt to climate change and population growth while protecting rivers, farms and ranches.

Madam vice chair moved the appointments to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation; the committee recorded unanimous support and placed the nominations on the consent calendar. The committee adjourned following the CWCB item.

Next steps: the nominees will be considered by the full Senate. Committee discussion called for partnership and funding exploration but did not direct a specific policy action within the hearing.