Cookie Control

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them. These cookies are set when you submit a form, login or interact with the site by doing something that goes beyond clicking on simple links.

We also use some non-essential cookies to anonymously track visitors or enhance your experience of the site. If you're not happy with this, we won't set these cookies but some nice features of the site may be unavailable.

By using our site you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.

(One cookie will be set to store your preference)
(Ticking this sets a cookie to hide this popup if you then hit close. This will not store any personal information)

"California Holdout In Agreement Over Colorado River Cuts"

"FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Six western states that rely on water from the Colorado River have agreed on a model to dramatically cut their use, months after the federal government called for action and an initial deadline passed.

California — with the largest allocation of water from the river — is the lone holdout.

The Colorado River and its tributaries pass through seven states and into Mexico, serving 40 million people and a $5 billion-a-year agricultural industry. Some of the largest cities in the country, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas, two Mexican states, Native American tribes and others depend on the river that’s been severely stressed by drought, demand and overuse.

States missed a mid-August deadline to heed the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s call to propose ways to conserve 2 million to 4 million acre feet of water. They regrouped to reach consensus by the end of January to fold into a larger proposal Reclamation has in the works."

Felicia Fonseca and Suman Naishadham report for the Associated Press January 30, 2023.

SEE ALSO:

"AP Exclusive: Emails Reveal Tensions In Colorado River Talks" (AP)

"6 of 7 Colorado River States Agree On Water Cuts" (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

"In The West, Pressure To Count Water Lost To Evaporation" (AP)

"‘A Living Spirit’: Native People Push For Changes To Protect The Colorado River" (Los Angeles Times)

"A Showdown Over Colorado River Water Is Setting The Stage For A High-Stakes Legal Battle" (CNN)

"Federal Pressure Mounts As States Attempt To Break Colorado River Standoff" (KUNC)

"In California's Imperial Valley, Farmers Brace for a Struggle With Less Colorado River Water" (Los Angeles Times)

Source: AP, 01/31/2023