Cheyenne Public Utilities Director Advocates for Cloud Seeding Funding Amid Colorado River Water Crisis

The Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources meeting held on August 28, 2025, focused on pressing water resource issues facing Wyoming, particularly in light of potential curtailments from the Colorado River. Key discussions centered around cloud seeding as a viable solution to address water shortages.

Brad Brooks, director of the City of Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities, highlighted the impending challenges posed by Colorado River water curtailments, which could significantly impact Cheyenne's water supply. He emphasized that the city relies on approximately 14,000 acre-feet of water annually, with a potential loss of 7,000 acre-feet due to these curtailments. Brooks advocated for renewed state funding for cloud seeding, a method that has been part of Cheyenne's water management strategy for over eight years, costing nearly half a million dollars. He argued that cloud seeding could enhance snowpack and overall water availability, which is crucial for municipalities, agricultural users, and industrial sectors.

Brooks also pointed out the importance of Wyoming's participation in cloud seeding initiatives to maintain a competitive stance in negotiations with lower basin states regarding water rights. He expressed concern that without state support for cloud seeding, Wyoming could fall behind in efforts to secure its water resources.

The meeting also touched on broader environmental concerns, with discussions about pollution and its impact on public health. Legislators acknowledged the need for proactive measures to address these issues, emphasizing that inaction could lead to more significant problems in the future.

As the meeting concluded, there was a call for potential legislation to support cloud seeding and other water management strategies. The discussions underscored the urgency of addressing water resource challenges in Wyoming, particularly as external pressures from climate change and interstate water agreements continue to evolve. The legislature's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively Wyoming can safeguard its water supply for the future.