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15h ago

U.S. Sets Feb. 14 Deadline for Colorado River Deal as Draft Review Nears

Federal officials plan to release a draft environmental impact statement within weeks to steer negotiations away from court.

Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Colorado River Indian Tribes Chairwoman Amelia Flores and Central Arizona Project Chairman Terry Goddard show a proclamation cooperation in managing the Colorado River and addressing ongoing shortages on Dec. 17, 2025.
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Overview

  • Assistant Secretary Andrea Travnicek said the public could review a new federal document by year-end as negotiators face a Feb. 14 cutoff for consensus.
  • The Bureau of Reclamation will release a draft environmental impact statement in the next few weeks that lays out multiple operational paths, followed by a public comment period.
  • Between document releases, federal officials will identify a preferred alternative, with final documents expected in spring or summer if the states do not reach agreement.
  • Federal projections show Lake Powell inflows at 44% to 73% of average this winter and about a 15% decline in snowpack-driven replenishment since 2006.
  • Acting Commissioner Scott Cameron urged a negotiated deal over litigation, noting Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s readiness to intervene and a potential January meeting in Washington as California signaled legal compromise.