Strong Support for Gosar Bureau of Reclamation Transparency Bill at Committee Hearing

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the House Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans held a legislative hearing on the Congressman's bill, H.R. 1107, the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Transparency Act:

"For over a century, BOR has transformed the West into a powerhouse that feeds the nation and millions around the world while providing renewable, emissions-free energy for millions. Important projects, such as the Central Arizona Project in my home state, have successfully resulted in proper management of vital water resources.

"To ensure this continues, it is necessary for Congress to be vigilant and provide proper oversight of BOR operations requiring this agency to make public the estimated cost of repairs for Reclamation facilities. For years, Congress and many water users asked for such information, only to be rebuffed time and again. Increasing accountability at BOR will empower states, localities and water and power users to make informed decisions on aging infrastructure, much of which is 50 years or older.

"The American public has asked for and deserves laws that reflect the needs of this century. Letting the sunlight in on government is one of those important needs."

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