Monday Top of the Scroll: Deal is reached to keep Colorado River from going dry, for now
The Biden administration has negotiated a hard-fought agreement among California, Arizona and Nevada to take less water from the drought-strained Colorado River, a deal that reduces, for now, the risk of the river running dry below the Hoover Dam, which would jeopardize the water supply for Phoenix, Los Angeles and some of America’s most productive agricultural land. The agreement, to be announced Monday, calls for the federal government to pay about $1.2 billion to irrigation districts, cities and Native American tribes in the three states if they temporarily use less water. The states have also agreed to make additional cuts beyond that amount to generate the total reductions needed to protect the collapse of the river.
Related articles:
- Los Angeles Times: Seven states announce Colorado River water deal, agreeing on water cuts for three years
- Washington Post: Colorado River states reach deal with Biden to protect drought-stricken river
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Editorial - Fight among Western states over water rights fizzles for now
- Office of Gov. Newsom: Arizona, California, and Nevada Governors Announce Lower Basin Plan to Protect Colorado River