Gila Herald Staff Reports
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Arizona’s congressional leaders released statements reacting to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s announcement regarding newly finalized operating guidelines for the Colorado River covering 2027 and 2028.
The decision by the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation establishes a two-year operating path designed to protect critical elevations at Lake Powell and Lake Mead while providing a framework for post-2026 river management. The updated guidelines incorporate elements of the Lower Basin Proposal submitted by Arizona, California, and Nevada, which requires 1.25 million acre-feet of annual delivery reductions across the Lower Basin states over the next two years to stabilize the river system. Under the framework, Arizona’s share of annual delivery reductions will stand at 760,000 acre-feet.
Senate Response: Kelly and Gallego
U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) issued a joint statement welcoming the clarity the federal decision provides while emphasizing that all states in the Colorado River Basin must share the burden of conservation going forward.
“This decision provides much-needed certainty for Arizona and the Colorado River over the next two years,” Kelly and Gallego said. “The 2027 and 2028 guidelines protect Arizona from even deeper near-term cuts while giving the seven Basin states more time to reach a long-term agreement. Arizona and our Lower Basin partners have stepped up with significant conservation commitments, and now every Basin state needs to do its part.”
“We’ll keep working with Arizona’s water leaders, Lower Basin states, and the Department of the Interior to put this plan into action and reach a fair, lasting agreement that protects the state’s water future,” the senators added.
House Response: Representative Ciscomani
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ06), co-chair of the bipartisan congressional Colorado River Caucus, also released a statement assessing the federal framework.
“Water is Arizona’s most precious resource,” Ciscomani said. “As Co-Chair of the bipartisan congressional Colorado River Caucus, my top priority is ensuring Arizona is treated fairly as we work toward a long-term agreement that protects our state’s bright future. I have spoken directly with Secretary Burgum multiple times throughout this process, including during his visit to Arizona, and I was clear on the need to protect Arizona’s water.”
Ciscomani noted that initial reviews indicate the plan avoids the most severe cut proposals previously under consideration.
“My team and I are still reviewing today’s announcement from the Department of the Interior,” Ciscomani continued. “This plan appears to avoid the most drastic options while incorporating several key provisions from the Lower Basin Proposal that we have urged the Department to adopt. The goal is clear: long-term water certainty and security for Arizona. I will continue working with the Administration and bipartisan leaders at every level of government to protect this critical resource for our farmers, ranchers, businesses, tribes, and every Arizona family that relies on the Colorado River.”
