Colorado Representative Junie Joseph presenting during the inaugural CSG West Housing Forum. | |
Left to right: Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner introducing the CSG West Chair, Oregon Senator Bill Hansell. | |
Nevada Assemblywoman Heidi Kasama speaking during a policy session. | |
Idaho Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow stopping for a photo with legislative colleagues. | |
Wyoming Senator Eric Barlow, Co-Chair of the CSG West Energy & Environment Committee. | |
Oregon Senator Lew Frederick addressing a policy committee. | |
Thank You for Joining Us! | |
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The CSG West family extends its sincere appreciation to all who participated in the recent CSG West 77th Annual Meeting. From beginning to end, the event was truly extraordinary!
In the coming weeks, we will be back with photo highlights, session recaps, and other standout moments from the annual meeting. Till then, be sure to check out our upcoming program schedule below, as CSG West will host three regional programs beginning in September. We look forward to seeing many of you soon!
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What's Next?
CSG West Gears Up for 3 Regional Programs in 3 States
| With the 77th CSG West Annual Meeting behind us, we invite you to explore our upcoming fall program schedule. Beginning in September, CSG West will convene the first of three annual events across the West – the Legislative Council on River Governance, Border Legislative Conference, and Colorado River Forum. Details below! | | |
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Legislative Council on River Governance
September 9-12
Richland, Washington
Established in 1998, the Legislative Council on River Governance (LCRG) is a cooperative, bipartisan program comprised of state legislators from Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Members exchange information and identify solutions to address the challenges and opportunities along the Columbia and Snake River basins. LCRG meetings are open to non-voting members and legislative staff interested in attending.
Under the leadership of Washington Senator Claudia Kauffman, lawmakers from the four Columbia and Snake River basin will engage on key issues impacting the Pacific Northwest, including:
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Reviewing the Six Sovereigns Agreement intended to restore and conserve salmon, preserve critical fish runs, expand clean energy, and increase resiliency and provide stability for communities throughout the Columbia River Basin.
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Discussing the impacts of the Columbia Basin Project including the implementation of the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Project, which aims to replace over 80,000 groundwater-irrigated acres with Columbia River water. Participants will learn about the challenges and opportunities of this project and how the work is planned to move forward.
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Providing feedback on the modernization of the Columbia River Treaty that after multiple negotiations was designed to mitigate flood risks, ensure reliable and economical power supplies, and improve ecosystems.
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Border Legislative Conference
September 19-21
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Administered by CSG West for more than two decades, the Border Legislative Conference (BLC) serves as a binational forum where legislators can exchange best practices and identify policy solutions to address the complex issues along the 2,000-mile U.S. – Mexico border region. Providing a focused and ongoing dialogue among state legislators of the 10 U.S. – Mexico border states, the BLC fosters regional collaboration and mutual understanding.
Under the leadership of New Mexico Senator Bill Soules and Sonora Diputada Ernestina Castro Valenzuela, the upcoming BLC will address the following topics:
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- Current state of the U.S. – Mexico relationship
- Trade & Supply Chain (may include high-speed rail)
- Public Health
- Water
- Immigration (unaccompanied minor project by Casey Foundation can be part of this discussion)
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- Anna, Age Eight Institute (adverse childhood experiences-ACES)
- Energy
- 0-3 Guaranteed Basic Income (this can be part of a larger economic development or economic security conversation)
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Questions? Please contact Martha Castañeda, Director of Policy & International Programs. |
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Colorado River Forum
November 18-20
Phoenix, Arizona
The Colorado River Forum (CRF) brings together legislators from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as other key stakeholders, to review and discuss issues and opportunities related to the Colorado River Basin. Members will examine a variety of issues, including water quantity and quality, state snapshots of water management tools and strategies, threats from aquatic and other invasive species, engagement with tribes, and developing regional approaches to influence the rule-making that will govern the Colorado River into the future.
Under the leadership of Wyoming Senator Larry Hicks and Nevada Assemblyman Howard Watts, state legislators of the seven Colorado River Basin states in the U.S., as well as the bordering Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora, will come together to discuss:
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Evaluating the Colorado River Treaty guidelines before they expire in 2026 and discussing the federal government’s environmental impact statement and efforts to ensure sustainable water management while considering climate change, equal apportionments, and ecosystem protection. |
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Understanding the impact of water cuts from the 2023 lower basin states’ (AZ, CA, NV) agreement on water cuts to agriculture, domestic, and industrial water use systems. | |
Learning about the results of invasive species prevention and what collaborative state efforts are being implemented and their related impacts. | | | |
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Alaska Senator Löki Tobin Elected to Serve as CSG West Officer in 2025 | |
CSG West is thrilled to announce that Alaska Senator Löki Tobin will serve as its new vice chair, beginning in 2025. Senator Tobin was unanimously elected by the CSG West Executive Committee to serve as an officer of the organization. In this capacity, she will work alongside her fellow officers, the Executive Committee, and CSG West director to guide the organization's efforts.
A native of Nome, Alaska, Senator Tobin holds a master’s degree in rural development from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Peace Corps Master’s International Program, having served as a Youth Development Volunteer in Azerbaijan from 2008-2011. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, focusing on culturally responsive education.
Elected in 2022, Senator Tobin represents Alaska State Senate District I and has worked to serve Alaskans by expanding universal, voluntary pre-K across Alaska, protecting renters and homeowners from predatory insurance practices, and recognizing the resiliency and continued saliency of the Alaska constitution. Additionally, she is active on several nonprofit boards and is dedicated to serving her community.
In 2025, Wyoming Representative Mike Yin will begin serving as CSG West Chair and lead preparations for next year’s 78th CSG West Annual Meeting in Jackson, Wyoming. Utah Senator Todd Weiler will rotate to the position of chair-elect after serving as vice chair in 2024. In 2027, Senator Tobin will rotate to the role of chair and will have the opportunity to host that year’s annual meeting in Alaska.
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CSG West Adopts Resolution to Foster the Harmonization of State & Provincial Approaches to Invasive Species Management | |
During the recent 77th CSG West Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, the CSG West Executive Committee adopted a resolution calling for the harmonization of state and provincial approaches to invasive species management. The resolution is aimed addressing the growing threat of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, which pose severe risks to water infrastructure, hydro facilities, and recreational activities across western North America.
Recognizing the immense economic and environmental damage these species can cause, the resolution emphasizes the critical need for prevention, monitoring, increased coordination, and public awareness as mitigation strategies. Furthermore, it underscores that both the U.S. and Canada have a mutual interest in preventing the further spread of invasive species.
The resolution, which will be circulated with appropriate provincial, state, and federal officials, calls for enhanced collaboration, information sharing, and federal support.
Access the full resolution here.
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Honoring Former Oregon Senate President Courtney
The CSG West family is mourning the loss of former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney, who passed away July 16th. He was a towering figure in Oregon politics and the state’s longest serving lawmaker and Senate president.
Former Senate President Courtney served his community and the state of Oregon for over 45 years. He commenced his elected service as a councilmember in the City of Salem from 1975-1980. Thereafter, he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives where he served from 1981 to 1999, minus a four-year stretch. In 1998, he was elected Oregon Senate and served as Senate President for 20 years, from 2003 until his retirement in 2023, making him the longest-serving legislative officer in Oregon history.
“Senate President Courtney was an institution in Oregon politics,” stated CSG West Chair and colleague, Oregon Senator Bill Hansell. “His leadership and service to his district and our entire state was instrumental in many public policy areas, including the seismic retrofit of schools and other infrastructure and preservation of our environment.” “He also was a compassionate leader who cared deeply for everyone around him.”
|  | Former Senate President Courtney is honored with the Bettye Fahrenkamp Award during the CSG West 77th Annual Meeting. | |
During the recent 77th CSG West Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, chairman Hansell awarded the organization’s Bettye Fahrenkamp Award for Distinguished Legislative Leadership on Behalf of Western States to former Senate President Courtney. This annual award, which is in honor of former Alaska Senator Bettye Fahrenkamp, recognizes leaders whose legislative careers demonstrate the ability to see and work beyond the border of their own states in the interests of the West.
Although Senate President Courtney was not able to attend the meeting in-person to receive the award, Senator Hansell paid tribute to his many accomplishments and service to Oregon and our nation. “As a leader, Senate President Courtney emphasized the importance of bipartisanship. As a member of the minority, I, along with many of my colleagues, truly appreciated him for protecting the rights of the minority and ensuring that our voices were heard,” stated Senator Hansell.
A memorial service for former Senate President Courtney will be held July 30th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Angel. Cards may be sent to 2925 Island View Drive N., Salem, Oregon 97303. A public celebration of life will be held in Salem at a later date.
For more information on Senate President Courtney’s legacy, click HERE.
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THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS WEST www.csgwest.org | |
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CSG West is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving western state legislatures. All active legislators are considered members of our organization and included in organizational correspondence regarding news and events. While we hope you find this information of use, we also understand the need for a tidy inbox. If you do not wish to receive email updates from us, please unsubscribe below to be removed from our email list. | | | | |
