Why It Matters

Bear River Water Conservancy District (Utah) has engaged Bishop Consulting Group LLC to lobby on water infrastructure appropriations. The district's lobbying effort centers on natural resources policy.

By the Numbers

The filing, a 2025 Registration Amendment signed on September 2, covers the Natural Resources issue area with no specific legislation listed, and identifies water infrastructure appropriations as the lobbying focus.

Bear River Water Conservancy District has spent $63,000 across seven lobbying filings. The district employs two active lobbyists through Bishop Consulting Group LLC: Rob Bishop, a Founder/Senior Consultant, and Shule Bishop, a Partner, who brings prior government experience as a Constituent Services Specialist in former Senator Orrin Hatch's office in 2009.

Broader Context

Utah faces significant water challenges, with 100 percent of the state currently in drought. Major water infrastructure projects are under development in the region, including the Lower Bear River Watershed project sponsored by Bear River Water Conservancy District, which seeks partial funding through the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act.

The fiscal year 2026 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill covers the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026, and typically includes funding for the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation and Central Utah Project.

Between The Lines

Sen. John R. Curtis convened a roundtable discussion in August with state elected officials, water experts, researchers, conservation leaders, and members of Utah's technology sector to explore solutions for strengthening Utah's water supply and protecting the Great Salt Lake. The roundtable explored ideas ranging from desalination and interstate water infrastructure to expanded cloud seeding and improved forest management.

Earlier in 2026, Senator Mike Lee met with Utah's water conservancy districts on April 29 to discuss the Great Salt Lake, Colorado River, and water management, while Senator Curtis met with general managers from several water conservancy districts on May 1.

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