Three States Propose Last-Ditch Plan To Avoid Colorado River Crisis
Arizona, California, and Nevada have proposed a short-term plan to reduce Colorado River water use by up to 1 million acre-feet annually through 2028 to prevent critical reservoir levels. The proposal includes immediate mandatory cuts and potential voluntary reductions funded by federal drought aid. The move aims to avoid federal intervention while long-term negotiations among the seven basin states remain stalled.
- ▪The three states propose cutting water use by up to 1 million acre-feet annually, adding to previous reductions of 1.5 million acre-feet.
- ▪Lake Mead and Lake Powell are currently at about one-third of capacity due to prolonged drought and low snowpack.
- ▪Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs stated the plan prevents federally mandated cuts and keeps state control over water management.
- ▪Negotiations between Upper and Lower Basin states have broken down over responsibility for conservation.
- ▪The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is reviewing the proposal, with a draft plan expected by mid-June and a final decision by mid-July.
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By Alia ShoaibNews ReporterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Three southwestern states that rely on the Colorado River are proposing a plan to reduce water consumption over the next two years as water levels in key reservoirs remain near historic lows.Arizona, California and Nevada have submitted a proposal to federal officials that would significantly increase water conservation as a stopgap measure while negotiations continue between the seven states that share the river.The Colorado River system, anchored by reservoirs Lake Mead and Lake Powell, is a critical water source for about 40 million people across the western United States.
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