Senator Mike Lee, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, has introduced a bill aimed at assessing new engineering solutions for Glen Canyon Dam. The proposed legislation instructs the Department of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a selective water withdrawal system at the dam. The main objectives are to enhance hydropower performance and protect the Colorado River system from invasive species.
The bill tasks the Bureau of Reclamation, working with the Department of Energy and power contractors associated with the Colorado River Storage Project, to examine whether such a system could improve hydropower generation during cold-water releases from Glen Canyon Dam. It also seeks to determine if this approach can help reduce risks related to invasive species, aligning with current long-term management plans for the dam.
“Glen Canyon Dam plays an important role in providing reliable, affordable hydropower across the West,” said Chairman Lee. “This bill takes a practical step toward understanding whether modern engineering solutions can improve performance while dealing with real ecological concerns. Before committing ratepayers or taxpayers to major infrastructure changes, we should understand what works, what does not, and what delivers the best return.”
If enacted, the legislation would require that Interior complete its study within 18 months. This includes comprehensive hydrological modeling. Should it be determined that installing a selective water withdrawal system is feasible under existing reclamation laws—and if power contractors agree—the Department of the Interior would be authorized to proceed with compliance steps and construction.
Funding for this feasibility study would come from appropriated federal dollars, as stipulated by the bill; any funds used would not need to be reimbursed. Additionally, Interior must identify available funding sources within 90 days after enactment.
The bill specifically states that it does not change or anticipate decisions regarding post-2026 reservoir operating guidelines for Lake Powell or Lake Mead.
The Colorado River Energy Distributors Association commented: “A feasibility study of a selective water withdrawal system has the potential to identify cost-effective alternatives that would protect threatened species while also maintaining hydropower generation at this critical infrastructure facility. Importantly, the feasibility study that would be authorized by this legislation does not interfere with Colorado River Operating Guidelines, or anticipated post-2026 operations. Rather, CREDA’s members from both the Upper and Lower Basins of the Colorado River are supportive of this feasibility study bill as an important step that will lead to new solutions to help maintain production of clean, renewable hydropower and support grid stability.”
