Show Bennett Calls For Protection of State Water laws Sen Wallace Wall ate F. F Bennett R R. R Utah recently called for Congressional protection for forstate forstate state water laws Jaws against whim sica violations by federal agencies TilE TIIE UTAH Republican Ii can made the comments in testify tog ing before the ilie Senate lion tion and Reclamation in favor of a bill which strengthens and clarifies the authority of the states with respect respect re- re to the control use and distribution of water The measure was introduced by Sen Thomas II Kuchel Kuche R R. R Calif As a spon sponsor of similar legislation leg leg- in three Congresses Inthe in the past I again will support U this s or any other bill that will reassert states states' rights in the water field I hope that some worthwhile action can ean be taken tak tak- en in the area Sen Bennett told the committee WHILE TilE TIIE measure does not solve all of the problems which exist on the subject of states states' water rights I believe it is a a- a sound approach toward resolving some of the major conflicts he said The questions of jurisdiction tion and substantive water rights as they concern the various activities of the federal fed fed- eral government involve a great portion of Utah's land Right at U this s time in the West water shortages are once again plaguing landowners and citizens Expanded study and research is needed now to tomake tomake make the best use of every possible drop of water in the country he said |