The seven basin states have missed the most recent deadline to come to a 20-year agreement on water allocations from the Colorado River.
The deadline was set by the Trump administration. Negotiations will likely result in a reduction in water allocations for the Lower Basin states. The three Lower Basin states are Arizona, Nevada and California. The four Upper Basin states are Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming.
The official schedule indicates a final environmental impact statement and record of decision alongside a negotiated agreement will happen by Oct. 1, or the start of the new water year.
Interstate negotiations are being overseen by the Bureau of Reclamation. The Bureau is currently accepting public comments on the draft environmental impact statement until March 2.
The Lower Basin states have argued the currently proposed agreement is unfair. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated his agency may step in if the states are unable to form an agreement.
If the federal government steps in, it could cause a lawsuit between the states and the federal government. This would likely be an expensive endeavor for taxpayers and delay crucial sustainability elements for the river.
Every year, the Colorado River experiences a 1.5-million-acre-foot deficit. Lake Mead is expected to drop to historic lows in 2027 if things do not change.
Upper Basin states have argued they are already dealing with water shortages as a result of climate change’s impact on the snowpack seen in the Rocky Mountains. Ariz. Gov. Katie Hobbs and Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom both stated the Upper Basin states must accept some degree of shortage over the next two decades.
In a joint statement with Nev. Gov. Joe Lombardo, the governors said, “Our stance remains firm and fair: all seven basin states must share in the responsibility of conservation. Our shared success hinges on compromise, and we have offered significant flexibility, allowing states without robust conservation programs time to gradually develop these programs in ways that work in each state.” (Source)