I sent a letter to Ron Tupa, And this was his response. i guess we needed to get to the people who voted for it!!
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your letter asking me to oppose SB-62,
the legislation which would add additional
requirements for consideration before a stream could
be diverted for recreational use.
I voted to oppose SB-62 during the senate
deliberations for all of the reasons you mentioned. If
passed, it would hamper outdoor recreational
activities, discourage tourism, and hurt small
businesses that relay on outdoor water sports.
Colorado needs all of the revenue that tourism
provides so passing this legislation would only hinder
our sluggish economy.
Moreover, SB-62 seeks to supersede a pending decision
before the Colorado Supreme Court. The court is
currently reviewing legislation (which I voted for)
that passed in 2001, SB-216, which allows for
in-channel water use. The court is also looking at
what is a beneficial amount of water that should be
used for these types of recreation. I think it would
be wrong to pass a law without waiting for the court?s
ruling on this issue.
I am in agreement with the League of Women Voters and
the Colorado Environmental Coalition, both of which
are opposed to the bill.
Thanks again for taking the time to express your
opinion on this issue. I sincerely value the views of
my constituents. If you would like to receive my
legislative newsletter please sing-up at
www.rontupa.com or send an email to
[email protected].
Sincerely,
Senator Tupa
State Senator