Lower Basin States Seek Review of Colorado River Management Plans

A pressing call for action has emerged as California, Arizona, and Nevada seek intervention from Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on future management plans for the Colorado River. These states, part of the Lower Basin group, are urging for a comprehensive reassessment of water allocation proposals before current guidelines expire in 2026. The letter sent in mid-February underscores the urgency for a resolution amid ongoing negotiations among the seven states that rely on the river’s resources.

Contentions Over River Management

The letter criticizes the previous administration for allegedly overlooking the Lower Basin states’ proposal for post-2026 water sharing, despite their clear objections. The Biden Administration’s recent report on river management, which the Lower Basin states argue is inconsistent with the 1922 Colorado River Compact, has further fueled tensions. Eric Balken, director of the Glen Canyon Institute, noted, “Any actions from decision makers like this…have the potential to upend very delicate negotiations that are currently taking place.”

Jim Lochhead, Colorado’s former top water negotiator, commented on the legal aspects, suggesting that “the alternatives report appropriately addressed when there might be a potential Compact issue between the states,” although the Lower Basin states appear to disagree. Frustration stems from the perception that their proposals, which advocate for more significant water use reductions, have been inadequately acknowledged.

Infrastructure Concerns at Glen Canyon Dam

The Lower Basin states’ letter also highlights the critical nature of infrastructure at Glen Canyon Dam, which is currently facing record-low water levels. Aging pipes within the dam, which directs water through hydroelectric generators, are at risk of becoming the only means to transport water, threatening compliance with legal water delivery requirements to downstream states.

Efforts have been made to bolster Lake Powell’s levels by transferring water from smaller reservoirs, but these measures are seen as temporary. The Lower Basin demands a more sustainable solution, criticizing previous approaches as “shortsighted.” They advocate for engineering fixes and strategic water transfers to stabilize the situation.

Calls for Federal Intervention

Environmental advocates, like Balken, emphasize the need to address these longstanding issues urgently. “This letter is showing us that we cannot put this off anymore,” he commented, urging modifications to Glen Canyon Dam. Mike Cohen from the Pacific Institute echoes this sentiment, suggesting a federal ultimatum might be necessary to compel state cooperation in managing the river. “There needs to be a clear federal voice calling for all seven states to come to a consensus agreement,” Cohen stated.

Despite the call for federal intervention, the Lower Basin states maintain their preference for a collaborative solution. They argue that “an imposed solution or litigation would undermine decades of cooperative progress.” The Interior Department has responded, indicating ongoing dialogue with Colorado River Basin partners to achieve long-term agreements for post-2026 operations.