Wyo./Colo. Water Pipeline Proposal Draws Criticism

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The latest application for a federal permit to construct a pipeline to haul water from the Green River in southwestern Wyoming to Colorado's sprawling Front Range is sparking opposition from environmental groups and others in the "Cowboy State."

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is accepting public comments until Dec. 19 on a pipeline permit application from Ft. Collins, Colo., businessman Aaron Million. Many in western Wyoming say they're concerned pumping the river water across the state would draw down Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Million counters that his project offers Wyoming and Colorado a chance to use some of the water they're entitled to under the Colorado River Compact rather than allowing it to flow to California and other states downstream.