Should Nevada pump water from rural areas so Las Vegas can grow? With drought also now in the Southeast, do you favor a national water policy?

Hillary Clinton
We have to pay attention to the needs of different regions. Much of this is within local and state control, but the federal government should work with regions to come up with a sensible water policy. If we don’t, we’re going to have more problems like in the Southeast, and it will impact development here in Las Vegas.
We’re going to have to bring all the regional water boards and associations together and try to figure out what’s in the best interest of everybody. That’s something I’d try to convene as president.

Barack Obama
I’m not going to predetermine the issue of the pipeline until as president I have an opportunity to work with offi cials on both sides for a solution that encourages growth in the South but preserves the way of life in the North.
A national water policy is critical. We need long-term planning to make sure that development does not spread beyond our water resources. We have to acknowledge drought and conserve water. We have to make sure the situation doesn’t get worse.

John Edwards
The pipeline is an issue that Nevada should decide. Nationally, this is a serious issue. I think the focus should be on conservation.
We can do a variety of things: low-flow plumbing, drought-resistant landscaping,
more efficient irrigation, true costing for water — the more water you use, the more you pay for it. We also should focus on research. America should invest in more-efficient, alternative sources of energy. We should be doing the same thing
on water.

Bill Richardson
I would elevate the Bureau of Reclamation within the Interior Department to Cabinet secretariat. That person would organize a national water summit. I want national water policy. We need a dialogue among states to deal with issues like conservation, reuse technology, delivery and production.
I’d also have face-to-face negotiations between urban areas and rural areas on issues relating to water — so that water, property rights, water quality and economic development are protected.

– Las Vegas Sun political reporters Michael J. Mishak and J. Patrick Coolican compiled this report.