The potential appointment of Ted Cooke as commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation marks a pivotal moment for the management of the Colorado River. This development comes at a time when the states dependent on this vital water source are embroiled in negotiations over future water distribution.
Ted Cooke’s Nomination
President Donald Trump’s nomination of Ted Cooke for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation was submitted to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Monday. If approved, Cooke will take a leading role in federal oversight of the Colorado River, especially as states remain deadlocked in discussions about water allocation.
Challenges Ahead
As the Colorado River’s water supply diminishes, Cooke is expected to encourage the involved states to reach a consensus on water cutbacks. A failure to agree before the 2026 deadline might result in federal intervention to enforce water distribution decisions.
Cooke’s Background
Cooke’s career has been largely associated with the Central Arizona Project, which channels Colorado River water to the Phoenix area. He joined the agency in 2003 and advanced to the position of general manager, a role he held from 2015 to 2023.
Industry Reactions
Experts in the Colorado River basin view Cooke as a capable leader. Sharon Megdal, who served on the CAP’s board during Cooke’s tenure, expressed her “great admiration” for Cooke, noting his thorough and solution-oriented approach during challenging times. “He’s thorough, he’s deliberative, he looks for solutions, and boy, we need to find solutions right now,” Megdal stated, emphasizing the need for resolution in current negotiations.
John Entsminger, Nevada’s chief water negotiator, praised Cooke’s appointment as a “great choice,” highlighting his previous involvement in the 2019 Drought Contingency Plan. Entsminger noted Cooke’s ability to mediate and assertively push for compromise when necessary.
Potential Regional Tensions
The nomination of Cooke, a long-time Arizonan, may provoke concerns among upper basin states, given the existing division between the Upper Basin (Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico) and Lower Basin (California, Arizona, Nevada) states. Eric Kuhn, the former general manager of the Colorado River District, acknowledged Cooke’s qualifications but remarked on the timing of an Arizona nominee when regional disagreements persist.
“I assume that he would recuse himself from decisions that could affect the CAP — which is just about any decision in the basin,” Kuhn noted, suggesting the nomination could favor Arizona and the Lower Basin states.
Negotiators from Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Utah either declined to comment or were unavailable for input. Chuck Cullom, who directs the Upper Colorado River Commission and previously worked with Cooke, also opted not to comment.
This report is part of KUNC’s ongoing coverage of the Colorado River, supported by the Walton Family Foundation.
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