R. Keith Higginson, Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, 1977 - 1981. In 1957, Higginson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Utah State University. His career in water management began as an engineer for water rights in the Utah State Engineer's Office from 1958 to 1965. He left Utah to direct Idaho's Department of Water Resources from 1965 to 1977. After Higginson's confirmation as Commissioner in 1977, the Bureau of Reclamation changed its name to the Water and Power Resources Service (WPRS). Other controversies of his term included defending President Jimmy Carter's "hit list" of Western water projects and initiation of policy that eventually became the Reclamation Reform Act.After nearly 78 years as the "Reclamation Service" and the "Bureau of Reclamation," the agency has changed its name. Effective November 6, 1979, the new name is Water and Power Resources Service.
Short-lived official seal of the Water and Power Resources Service, which reverted back to Bureau of Reclamation in 1981.Commissioner R. Keith Higginson announced the new name at the National Water Resources Association Convention in Denver. He said, "I recommend the change of name because times have changed . . . We are responsive to national pressures . . . concerns about energy, a growing awareness of what in the near future will be a water crisis, and changing government roles in resource management . . . We need a name that signifies to all Americans our commitment to the responsible development and use of water resources and energy, of which hydro power plays a significant and up-to-now largely unrecognized role with great future potential . . . The name shows clearly that we are involved in the conservation and wise development of the Nation's water and related power resources."
The name change was accomplished by Secretarial Order. Appropriate legislation for any changes which may be recommended in the scope of the Service's authority will be requested from the Congress. Also the Act of May 26, 1926, which amends the Reclamation Act of 1902 prescribing that the function of reclamation of arid lands in the West be directed by a Commissioner of Reclamation, will need to be amended by the Congress. The new title for the head of the Water and Power Resources Service will be the Commissioner of Water and Power Resources.
Note: The agency name reverted back to Bureau of Reclamation in 1981.
Source:
Reclamation ERA magazine, December 1979
For more information:
http://www.usbr.gov/history/
