Colorado’s water is our lifeblood, essential to everything from agriculture to recreation to communities and the health of our natural environment. As individuals representing Colorado’s agricultural and business communities, we are acutely aware of the challenges our state faces regarding water conservation and management. Proposition JJ is an important measure that will ensure we continue making progress to protect this vital resource.

In 2019, Colorado voters passed Proposition DD, which implemented a tax on sports betting to fund the Colorado Water Plan. Since then, the state has raised nearly $80 million, which has been allocated to critical projects aimed at conserving and protecting our water resources. This funding has been a game changer, benefiting farmers, ranchers, municipalities and outdoor enthusiasts across the state, El Paso County and regions like the Front Range, Western Slope, eastern plains and the San Luis Valley, among more with each playing a unique role in shaping Colorado’s water future.

These projects span from large to small but benefit all Coloradans — whether it’s helping Colorado’s ranchers identify and utilize feedstocks requiring less water, or improving stream flow for trout and other aquatic species, or supporting water conservation in communities across Colorado, or providing water-saving opportunities while ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water.

But now, we face a crucial crossroads. Proposition JJ is the necessary next step to ensure all tax revenue from sports betting remains in Colorado. Without its passage, any revenue exceeding the $29 million cap will be returned not to you the taxpayer but instead back to casinos and out of state sports betting companies. This would be a missed opportunity to provide needed support for our state’s water conservation efforts. We’ve already hit this cap; last fiscal year, $30.4 million was raised, meaning millions more that could fund water projects would be lost without JJ. And it is only going to grow each year.

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Meanwhile, for better or worse, Colorado’s population is projected to double in the coming decades — a million people could live in the Colorado Springs area by 2050 according to projections — making sustainable water management more vital than ever. Proposition JJ ensures we conserve water resources for the next 6 million Coloradans while maintaining support for strong agriculture, outdoor recreation industries and communities across the state. The continued funding will benefit our rural economies, which are at the heart of our agricultural industry, and our whole state which relies on water conservation for drinking water, recreation and the Colorado quality of life. The scenic rivers, lush farmlands and thriving urban green spaces that make Colorado iconic depend on this continued investment.

What’s also remarkable about Proposition JJ is the widespread, bipartisan support it has garnered. In an era where political divides seem to dominate the conversation, water conservation has proven to be an issue that unites us. Republicans and Democrats, environmental advocates, agricultural growers, anglers, kayakers and business leaders all recognize the necessity of safeguarding our water resources. This broad coalition includes groups like Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Conservation Colorado, Club Twenty, the American Rivers Action Fund, and the Colorado River District. It’s not just about preserving our environment; it’s about sustaining our livelihoods, our communities and our way of life.

Republican State Sen. Cleave Simpson, who understands the challenges faced by Colorado’s agricultural producers, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a champion for sustainable development, both support this measure. Their endorsements reflect a shared understanding that water is the key to Colorado’s future prosperity. Whether it’s a farmer in the San Luis Valley, a business owner on the Front Range, or a recreational enthusiast on the Western Slope, there is consensus we must act now to secure our water future.

This is not just a regional issue; it’s one that affects every Coloradan. By supporting Proposition JJ, we ensure our water resources are managed wisely, our agricultural heritage is preserved and our economy remains robust. We strongly urge all Colorado voters to join this diverse coalition in supporting Proposition JJ to protect our water resources, strengthen local economies and secure a sustainable future for our state.

Erin Karney is executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association