KRTV

Posted: Mar 12, 2010 12:42 PM
Updated: Mar 12, 2010 12:47 PM

Montana's Water Policy Interim Committee is speaking out about the federal government's jurisdiction over Montana's water and has sent a letter to Montana's U.S. Congressional delegation.

State law says Montana's water resources are state property and should be used for the people of Montana.

Language before the U.S. Congress in the Clean Water Restoration Act would give the federal government control of all waters of the United States.

Water Policy Chairman Walter McNutt (R-Sidney) says the act would strip Montana of the right to manage its own waters, and he said, "Water is of paramount importance to the state of Montana. We are a headwater state, which means the water starts here and flows out of the state. We need to make sure we have a valid accurate claim to our water."

The committee wants to keep language that gives the federal government control over navigable waters.

McNutt says that language ensures the water is protected environmentally and can be used for interstate commerce.