Arizona Joins Nevada to Fight Proposed Cuts to Their Shares of Colorado River
Move Comes After Trump Administration Announced Restrictions That Could Slash Water Supplies
TL;DR
- Arizona is legally challenging the Trump administration's proposed cuts to its Colorado River water share, joining Nevada.
- The proposed cuts are due to historically low levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell, caused by overuse and climate change.
- The federal government intervened after states missed deadlines to agree on water conservation measures.
- Upper basin states were spared from cuts, drawing sharp criticism from lower basin states.
- Arizona governor Katie Hobbs stated the legal action is necessary because the federal government is not holding the Upper Basin accountable for water deliveries and is threatening draconian cuts.
- Arizona's water department director emphasized the need to protect legal water rights and preserve a collaborative path forward.