The Bureau of Reclamation's four proposed plans are not set in stone, but for the first time offer insight into how federal leaders are planning for the future of a river that is depended upon by 40 million people across the Southwest. A new long-term operating plan must be created before the expiration of current management guidelines at the end of 2026.
These alternatives represent a responsible range from which to build the best and most robust path forward for the basin. I have confidence in our partners and the Reclamation team in continuing this work to meet the needs of the river for the future.
The Colorado River provides water for 40 million people, irrigates millions of acres of agricultural land that feeds the country, generates electric power, fuels recreation-based economies and provides important habitat for thousands of species. But the amount of water in the river - overestimated from the beginning of a multi-state agreement - is shrinking because of drought and aridification intensified by climate change.
Federal officials have repeatedly said that a consensus plan from the states would be preferred to the Bureau of Reclamation enacting a plan unilaterally. Such fe
Collection
[
|
...
]