(1) The general assembly finds, determines, and declares that the purpose of this article 98 is to provide a committee as a forum through which the general assembly shall review: (a) The statewide planning, administration, and monitoring of Colorado's water resources; and (b) Colorado agriculture issues. (2) The general assembly recognizes its mandate to vigorously protect and defend Colorado's finite supply of water. The general assembly further recognizes the need to ensure that water issues receive sufficient legislative scrutiny and public input: (a) To maximize the benefit derived from Colorado's surface water and groundwater resources; (b) To evaluate the present and future water needs of the state; (c) To ensure effective water rights administration; (d) To protect water quality and water quantity; and (e) To ensure that Colorado's interstate water compact agreements are met and, in relation to the agreements, that Colorado's water resources are protected against unwarranted claims. (f) Repealed. (3) The general assembly further recognizes that: (a) Agriculture is one of the largest and most significant economic sectors in Colorado; (b) Colorado's agricultural producers and workers are often stewards of Colorado's surface and groundwater resources; (c) Colorado's agricultural sector is a leader in water efficiency and conservation practices; (d) Agriculture and water resources issues are often closely intertwined with one another; and (e) Expanding the scope of the committee to include agriculture would be beneficial to the committee's studies and support the committee's efforts in protecting and defending Colorado's water supply.
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