Upper Basin States Release Joint Statement on Federal Environmental Impact Statement Regarding Future Colorado River Operations

DENVER ~ In a joint statement released today, the Upper Basin Governors from Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico expressed their thoughts on the recently released Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Colorado River. The statement was issued following the U.S. Department of the Interior's (DOI) release of the final EIS through the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation).

According to the governors, while they are still analyzing the final details of the EIS, they are encouraged by the new operating guidelines that will better reflect existing water supply. They believe that any practical plan for the future must be based on this crucial element. However, they also noted that some key elements of the operations described in the EIS rely on agreements that have yet to be finalized. As such, it will be difficult to fully assess their effectiveness until these agreements are completed and implemented.

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The governors acknowledged that numerous hours of meetings and negotiations have taken place between Colorado River Basin states and these discussions will continue. They emphasized that with record-low reservoir levels in the Colorado River System, there is no guarantee for future water supply. While today's framework does not provide a final solution, it allows for short-term management of the river while negotiations for a consensus solution continue between all seven states and DOI.

The governors stressed that it is crucial to address the water supply realities of the basin and not ignore or overlook them. Both Upper and Lower division states are currently experiencing severe drought conditions, which is a reality that all states and federal government must practically address. This is why a seven-state agreement is seen as providing the best outcome for all water users in the Colorado River Basin.

The Upper Basin Governors concluded their statement by reaffirming their commitment to continued good-faith discussions with their counterparts in order to reach a mutually beneficial agreement for all parties involved. As negotiations continue, they remain hopeful for a sustainable solution that takes into account both current and future water supply needs.

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