Today, Congressman Ken Calvert and Senator Alex Padilla reintroduced legislation aimed at supporting the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP). The proposed bill seeks to establish an interest-bearing account within the Department of Treasury to hold funds contributed by Arizona, California, and Nevada for LCR MSCP activities. Representatives Dina Titus, Susie Lee, Steven Horsford, and Greg Stanton are original cosponsors of the House bill, H.R. 831.
Rep. Calvert stated that “providing additional resources for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program at no cost to taxpayers will support one of our most important natural resources in the Southwest.” He described the bill as a “common-sense step” to allow excess funds in the program to earn interest.
Senator Padilla emphasized that “the Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program is critical to balancing our water needs and hydropower production with the conservation of native species in the Lower Colorado River.” He added that allowing the program’s account to accrue interest offers a simple solution amid ongoing drought challenges.
Rep. Titus expressed pride in sponsoring legislation that would enable earning interest on investments made for habitat restoration along the river. Rep. Lee noted that government red tape has hindered maximizing taxpayer dollars invested in wildlife conservation projects.
Rep. Horsford highlighted the importance of safeguarding vulnerable species by maximizing conservation dollars through this legislative effort. Rep. Stanton echoed these sentiments, emphasizing smart management of water resources and taxpayer dollars.
Deven Upadhyay from Metropolitan Water District praised this collaboration between federal entities and states for creating habitats for native species. Jim Barrett from Coachella Valley Water District appreciated Senator Padilla’s and Congressman Calvert’s leadership on this issue.
Jennifer Pitt from National Audubon Society remarked on how smarter investment could better protect water and habitat for threatened species while preventing new listings.
The LCR MSCP was authorized by Congress in 2009 with a $626 million budget over 50 years, shared among federal participants (50%), California (25%), Arizona (12.5%), and Nevada (12.5%). Despite accumulated funds exceeding work expenditures, current accounts do not earn interest—a gap this legislation aims to address.
