An Arizona water expert was tapped to lead the federal Bureau of Reclamation, but his nomination was withdrawn earlier this year. He says it was a political decision and leaves a leadership vacuum. Ted Cooke is the former director of Central Arizona Project and now serves on the board of Arizona’s Water Infrastructure Finance Authority. He was nominated to serve as commissioner of the bureau but heard that lawmakers from other Colorado River states worried Cooke would be biased in favor of Arizona. … Cooke said not having a commissioner makes it far less likely the states will be able to come to an agreement in time.

Other Colorado River negotiation news:

• KTAR (Phoenix): Why the basin states’ fight over Colorado River water is a big deal for Arizona
• Heartland Institute: Blog: Feds need different approach to Colorado River