Less federal pressure, worsening drought, and more interstate tension loom over Colorado River talks
The Colorado River Basin is in crisis. Climate change is reducing its flow and its biggest reservoirs are shrinking. The seven U.S. states that use the river are negotiating cutbacks to their water use. The Upper Basin states of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico are deadlocked with the Lower Basin states of California, Arizona, and Nevada. But the federal government has a big stake in the negotiations, too. … Dwindling water levels hurt its ability to generate and sell hydropower. Lower flows degrade the federally-managed national parks the river flows through. Diminishing supplies threaten the viability of the river’s core legal document, the Colorado River Compact. With all of those layered interests, it’s led some to ask: Why aren’t federal officials applying more pressure to get a deal finalized?
Other Colorado River news:
- KJZZ (Phoenix): Colorado River cuts could increase Arizona utilities’ costs — and affect their credit ratings
- ABC15 (Phoenix): Three days left: Arizona faces deeper Colorado River cuts as federal deadline looms
- Wyoming Tribune Eagle (Cheyenne): Amid drought, Colorado River standoff flares
- Lake Powell Chronicle (Miami, Ariz.): Feds unveil “post-2026″ blueprint to avert Colorado River collapse
- Utah State University: Blog: Lake Powell and Lake Mead are moving in opposite directions – What gives?
