Upper Colorado River Basin States' Governors Release Statement on Proposed Draw Down of Flaming Gorge and Upper Basin Reservoirs

COLORADO ~ In a joint statement released today, Governors Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Mark Gordon (R-Wyo.), Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) and Spencer Cox (R-Utah) expressed their concerns about the proposed draw down of Flaming Gorge and other upper basin reservoirs.

The governors highlighted the severity of the current situation on the Colorado River, stating that this year is likely to be one of the worst on record. They emphasized the importance of managing this vital resource responsibly and adapting water usage accordingly.

The Upper Division States of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming have been actively regulating water usage in light of diminished runoff. As a result, existing state laws require water users to face cuts to their water rights dating back to the 1800s. These cuts are mandatory, uncompensated, and will have significant impacts on water users, including Upper Basin Tribes and local economies.

In light of these challenges, the governors stressed the need for any releases from Flaming Gorge and other upstream reservoirs to comply with existing agreements. They specifically referenced the 2019 Drought Response Operations Agreement between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Upper Division States as well as governing law. The governors also emphasized that any releases must be done with the purpose of protecting Lake Powell's elevations. They called for a clear understanding of how these proposed releases will effectively achieve this goal and expect all water released from Flaming Gorge and other upstream reservoirs to be fully recovered once the releases conclude.

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Furthermore, the governors emphasized that any releases must be appropriately sized. They noted that years like this one serve as a reminder that appropriate water storage is crucial in surviving dry years. They stressed the need for preparedness not only for this year but also for future dry years and average years.

While complying with commitments to their respective water users and adhering to the Law of River, the governors acknowledged the impact of water shortages and releases from Upper Basin reservoirs on local communities. They recognized that these actions not only affect future water supply availability but also have a significant impact on jobs and local recreational and other economies. The governors reiterated the need for all communities to live within the available supply and expect others to do the same.

In conclusion, the governors emphasized their commitment to managing this precious resource responsibly and called for cooperation from all parties involved in ensuring its sustainability for future generations.

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