The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has outlined five potential paths forward for the Colorado River operating guidelines that must be updated by 2026. With historic drought affecting the basin, negotiations among state leaders have been challenging. The alternatives presented by Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton aim to provide a responsible range for the future of the basin.
The main point of contention is whether the Upper Basin should be required to make additional cuts to its water allocation beyond the river’s “structural deficit.” The Lower Basin is also calling for discussions on water usage cuts to include smaller reservoirs in the Upper Basin states.
Some alternatives include input from Native American tribes, marking a historic moment of tribal involvement. However, details on this aspect are limited. The “Basin Hybrid” alternative attempts to find a middle ground between the Upper and Lower Basins’ proposals.
Negotiator reactions have been cautious, with both the Upper and Lower Basins stating that it is too early to assess the alternatives. The upcoming Colorado River Water Users Association conference in Las Vegas in December will provide a platform for further discussion on the negotiations under the Biden-Harris administration.
The announcement of the alternatives is seen as a last-ditch effort by the current administration to influence the negotiation process. However, some critics, like Kyle Roerink from the Great Basin Water Network, feel that the lack of details in the alternatives leaves much to be desired. The Interior Department oversees the Bureau of Reclamation, and state negotiators will continue discussions at the upcoming conference in Las Vegas.
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