Federal plan proposes new Colorado River cuts, sparking Upper-Basin praise and Lower-Basin anger
The Interior Department unveiled a preferred management plan that would impose water-use reductions on Colorado River states after a two-year deadlock, drawing applause from Upper-Basin states and opposition from the Lower-Basin.
After two years of stalled negotiations, the Interior Department issued a preferred Colorado River management plan that will become operative if the seven basin states fail to agree by the Oct. 1 deadline. The proposal, detailed in a final Environmental Impact Statement, sets potential cuts of up to 3 million acre-feet for Lower-Basin states, primarily Arizona, and a voluntary 200 000 acre-feet reduction from the Upper Basin.
Upper-Basin governors expressed encouragement, saying the guidelines reflect current water realities, while Arizona officials labeled the framework unacceptable and warned of economic harm. The plan also adjusts operating rules for Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Glen Canyon Dam and Hoover Dam, and mandates biennial reviews to adapt to future drought conditions. Litigation remains a possibility, particularly from Arizona, but the federal guidelines would take effect unless a seven-state agreement is reached.
Why it matters
The plan could reshape water allocation for 40 million people across seven states and Mexico amid worsening drought.
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