Arizona, California, and Nevada proposed a new approach for long-term Colorado River operations
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema called on the Upper Basin States to come to the negotiating table and help secure the American West’s water future.
“I have long said the Colorado River is all of ours; we thrive or fail together – and failure is not an option. Today’s proposal from Arizona, California, and Nevada presents a long-term approach for the sustainable operations of the Colorado River. This is a strong step forward, and the Upper Basin States should join us at the negotiating table to secure the American West’s water future,” said Sinema.
Sinema’s urging comes after Arizona, California, and Nevada proposed an alternative for long-term operations of the Colorado River. The proposal addresses the impacts of drought through a sustainable approach to the coordinated operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
Last year, Sinema welcomed the consensus-based water conservation proposal by the Lower Colorado River Basin States, which committed to measures to conserve at least 3 million-acre-feet of system water through the end of 2026.