Update 1 van 1NieuwsteDag 1
Federal Government Seizes Control of Shrinking Colorado River: Who Gets Less?
Washington named its preferred future for the Colorado River on July 31: less water for Arizona, California and Nevada, with deeper cuts when it is driest. The states disagree on the math, and the bargaining is not over.
Wat we eerst wisten
- The Bureau of Reclamation on July 31, 2026 released a Final Environmental Impact Statement with a preferred alternative for post-2026 operations.
- Arizona, California and Nevada would take less water, with deeper cuts in drier times.
- The plan would allow up to 3 million acre-feet per year in Lower Basin cuts in severe drought and replace the 2007 guidelines.
Toen nog open
- No final operating rule, Record of Decision, or agreed state-by-state division is established in the excerpts.
- No verified timeline for court action or Supreme Court review is established; litigation is described only as possible.
Waar we op zouden letten
- Watch for the follow-on details and whether Arizona, California and Nevada negotiate within the federal framework or challenge it.
- Watch reservoir conditions at Lake Mead and Lake Powell, which will determine how quickly the deeper shortage tiers are tested.