US Proposes Major Colorado River Cuts for AZ, CA and NV to Avert Crisis
The Interior Department proposed a flexible plan to curb Colorado River use by Arizona, California and Nevada, potentially totaling up to 3 million acre-feet annually through 2036, with reductions decided every two years. The three Lower Basin states would split half the cuts based on an existing allocation, while Upper Basin states pursue voluntary cuts. The plan aims to prevent Lake Mead and Lake Powell from dropping further amid record-low snowpack, but faces pushback from state leaders who warn the proposal could devastate communities and agriculture. Final operating guidelines are due by October 1.