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U.S. Department of Energy
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Exporting Colorado water in coal slurry pipelines

Journal Article · · J. Water Resour. Plann. Manage. Div., Proc. Am. Soc. Civ. Eng.; (United States)
The San Marco Pipeline Company has proposed a 1000 mile (1610 km) pipeline system to move coal slurry from southeastern Colorado to several electrical generating plants in the Texas Gulf Coast area. This area of Colorado is experiencing severe water shortage problems due to the large amount of water used for irrigation. Colorado statutes restrict the diversion of both surface and ground water for out-of-state use unless such water is credited to interstate compacts. Water has been found by the courts to be a commodity or article of commerce, therefore subject to federal constitutional scrutiny under the commerce clause. The constitutionality of Colorado's statutes, depends upon the nature of the restrictions imposed, the severity of the burden created, and the local purposes served by the statutes. Statutes will be upheld only where they incidentally burden or discriminate against interstate commerce. States may impose severe restrictions on diverting water for out-of-state uses provide the same type of restrictions are imposed on in state use.
OSTI ID:
6168017
Journal Information:
J. Water Resour. Plann. Manage. Div., Proc. Am. Soc. Civ. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Water Resour. Plann. Manage. Div., Proc. Am. Soc. Civ. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 2; ISSN JWRDD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English