The clock is ticking for seven western states as they strive to reach an agreement on the allocation of the Colorado River’s diminishing resources. A recent series of discussions in Salt Lake City has yet to yield significant progress.
Gene Shawcroft, Utah’s representative, candidly expressed the challenges faced during the negotiation process, noting, “We got tired of each other.” He added that the talks saw some advancement on two days, but setbacks on another day nearly negated that progress.
The divide between upper and lower basin states on how to impose water use reductions during droughts remains a major hurdle. This deadlock is further highlighted by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s invitation for a meeting in Washington on January 30, aimed at pushing the dialogue forward.
A representative for Colorado Governor Jared Polis confirmed the invitation and stated that Polis “hopes to attend this meeting if it works for the other Governors.” Meanwhile, the Interior Department has released a comprehensive playbook outlining potential strategies for future river management.
Water policy expert John Berggren emphasized the importance of consensus among the states, suggesting that without it, promising new solutions cannot be pursued. “The fact that the states don’t have a seven-state agreement right now means that we can’t consider some of these really good, new, innovative tools,” he remarked.
Potential Future Scenarios for the Colorado River
Berggren, who specializes in sustainable water management, helped summarize five federal proposals for managing the river post-August.
Basic Coordination
This option, which the federal government can enforce unilaterally, involves standardizing 1.48 million acre-feet of annual water shortages in the lower basin. Berggren criticized this as insufficient, warning of possible system “crashes” that could cripple Lake Powell and Lake Mead, affecting millions.
Enhanced Coordination
This more innovative approach includes creating conservation pools to incentivize water-saving practices. It also calls for upper basin contributions to increase over time. The Interior Department describes this plan as one that “seeks to protect critical infrastructure while benefitting key resources.”
No Action
Reverting to operational norms from nearly two decades ago, this option lacks mechanisms for proactive water conservation. Berggren warned that it would accelerate system failure, as it provides limited authority for managing shortages.
Maximum Flexibility
Developed by seven conservation groups, this proposal aims to stabilize storage and promote water conservation. It introduces a “climate response indicator” to adjust water releases based on recent climate conditions.
Supply-Driven Alternative
This plan bases water release decisions on the past three years’ supply, effectively separating the management of upper and lower basins. Lower basin shortages could reach up to 2.1 million acre-feet annually under this scenario.
The public is invited to comment on these proposals until early March. More information can be found on the official site.
—
Read More Arizona News
