Western Governors Meet As Colorado River Negotiations Continue
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Washington, D.C. — Governors of Colorado River basin states met Friday to discuss allocations and looming deadlines as federal officials mediated talks. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said discussions showed possible pathways and reported upper-basin flexibility; some upper-basin officials disputed that characterization. The states face a Feb. 14 deadline to submit a final agreement to Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation, with options including state-level deals or potential federal intervention. Officials and water managers warned of prolonged shortages, impacts to agriculture and municipalities, and the need for enforceable commitments. Negotiations continue with no final agreement announced. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
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Timeline
- 1. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum convened western governors for a meeting on Colorado River allocations.
- 2. Governors and officials met in Washington and discussed possible pathways to a regional agreement.
- 3. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs stated she saw upper-basin willingness to commit; some upper-basin officials disputed that account.
- 4. Officials reiterated a Feb. 14 deadline to submit a final agreement to the Bureau of Reclamation.
- 5. The meeting ended without a final deal; negotiations and the prospect of federal intervention continue.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
