Pilot Butte Power Plant Conveyance Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. HAGEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, the Pilot Butte Power Plant Conveyance Act.

This important legislation initiates the transfer of the Pilot Butte Power Plant from the Bureau of Reclamation to the Midvale Irrigation District.

Specifically, the Pilot Butte Power Plant Conveyance Act requires the Bureau of Reclamation to enter good-faith negotiations with the Midvale Irrigation District for the conveyance of the Pilot Butte Power Plant, located in Pavillion, Wyoming. This is a critical step towards improving responsible resource management.

Several months ago, we had the privilege of learning from Wyoming's Midvale Irrigation District on this important topic in a hearing in the Subcommittee of Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

In this hearing, we learned from both Midvale and the Bureau that this conveyance will allow the district to more easily maintain and operate the plant after the title transfer.

The message from each party involved in the conveyance was that this is a win-win for everyone involved. Transferring ownership of the power plant to Midvale will provide for greater flexibility and relieve administrative burdens for the Bureau of Reclamation.

As we all know, local communities and entities are often better equipped to understand the unique needs and challenges of their communities.

Placing control of the hydro plant in the hands of Midvale Irrigation District will empower them to make decisions that directly impact their region. This conveyance promotes a sense of ownership and accountability that will lead to more efficient operations and responsive governance.

This transfer will have positive economic benefits. Hydroelectric plants have the potential to generate substantial revenue. By allowing Midvale to control these resources, they can reinvest profits into the community. This will ultimately mean improved infrastructure and more support for local businesses.

The economic ripple effect can be profound and positively impact the lives of those living in the district.

Moreover, it is important to note that Midvale is intimately familiar with the intricacies of water management and distribution in their area. Updating and repairing this hydro plant will expand the State's portfolio, allowing for a more holistic approach to resource management.

This will help Wyoming to optimize water usage, balancing the needs of agriculture, industry, and the environment more effectively.

We have an obvious need to increase the amount of water stored through surface infrastructure and groundwater storage projects.

This particular conveyance will allow us to more effectively manage our water and provide power to our communities. Additionally, environmental stewardship is a critical consideration.

Wyomingites are more attuned to the ecological nuances of their surroundings. By placing the hydro plant under local control, we increase the practice of responsible environmental practices. This includes measures to protect aquatic life, maintain water quality, and ensure the responsible operation of the plant without compromising our ecosystems.

The Pilot Butte Power Plant Conveyance Act will empower Wyoming communities, boost Wyoming's economy, enhance resource management, and promote responsible environmental practices.

It is a decision that reflects the values of decentralization, self- determination, and self-reliance.

I thank Senator Barrasso and Senator Lummis for their leadership on this issue on the Senate side, and Midvale Irrigation District manager Steve Lynn, who was critical in elevating this issue and the solution we have before us this evening.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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