The federal agency steps in as states fail to agree on settlement of water use.
The Bureau of Reclamation released a Final Environmental Impact Statement last week regarding water use and management for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Recommended reductions in the water consumption of the Lower Basin states of California, Arizona, and Nevada could amount to 3 million acre-feet per year, much larger than the 1.6 million acre-feet cuts that those states proposed. The federal 10-year plan would allow for potential shifts in water consumption, and specific plans for the next two years have yet to be released.
“The Department has a responsibility to ensure the Colorado River system remains reliable and resilient for the millions of Americans, communities and industries that depend on it,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “This framework provides the flexibility to respond to changing hydrologic conditions while preserving the opportunity for the Basin States to continue working toward durable, consensus-based solutions.”
The seven states that rely on the Colorado River Basin for water and hydroelectric power were unable to come to an agreement on next steps as the 2007 interim guidelines set to expire at the end of this year. The Bureau of Reclamation responded to the impasse with this proposal
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Burgum to seek the Lord as he oversees efforts to ensure the water supply and power generation of the Colorado River Basin.
- For Acting Commissioner Aubrey Bettencourt as she heads the Bureau of Reclamation and its proposals regarding water usage from Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
- For federal officials to be discerning as they engage state leaders regarding water resource management in the western U.S.
Sources: The Hill, Bureau of Reclamation
