Arizona: Governor Katie Hobbs Releases Statement on Colorado River Final Environmental Impact Statement for Future Colorado River Operations

Phoenix, AZ ~ Phoenix, AZ - The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released its Final Environmental Impact Statement for Post-2026 Colorado River Operations, sparking a response from Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. In her statement, Governor Hobbs expressed her support for the Lower Basin States' proposal for 2027 and 2028, which she believes is a "commonsense, compromise" solution that will protect Arizona from drastic water cuts.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement presents a range of alternatives for managing the Colorado River over the next ten years. Governor Hobbs acknowledges that while there are still some unacceptable options that could result in Arizona bearing the brunt of water cutbacks, the Lower Basin agreement offers a fair and responsible approach to water management.

The Lower Basin Proposal, which has been developed by Arizona, California, and Nevada, is one of the largest conservation programs in the history of the Colorado River. It aims to conserve over 3.2 million acre-feet of water in Lake Mead over a two-year period for the benefit of the entire basin.

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Governor Hobbs emphasizes Arizona's commitment to responsible water stewardship and highlights that recent data from the Bureau of Reclamation shows that in 2025, Arizona's consumptive use of Colorado River water was at its second-lowest level since 1992. She also points out that without the Lower Basin agreement in place, Arizona could face up to a 77% reduction in its CAP supply imposed by the federal government.

The governor also stresses that Arizona plays a crucial role in providing agricultural produce, critical minerals, weapons defense systems, and cutting-edge semiconductors for America. She believes that any inequitable cuts to Arizona's Colorado River allocation would not only be detrimental to Arizonans but also put all Americans at risk as they compete with China in various industries.

Governor Hobbs pledges to continue advocating for an approach that protects stability within the system, distributes water reductions fairly, and ensures water security for all Colorado River water users. She remains committed to finding a long-term solution that benefits all states in the basin.

The full Lower Basin Proposal can be found on the Arizona governor's website. As negotiations continue, Governor Hobbs and her administration will work tirelessly to protect Arizona's fair share of the Colorado River and ensure that the state's families, crops, and economy have access to the water they need for years to come.

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