A bipartisan group of House representatives is pushing for emergency funding to address the crisis facing the Colorado River. They are urging congressional leaders to include this funding in an upcoming supplemental appropriations package. The lawmakers warn that worsening drought conditions and dropping reservoir levels threaten water supplies, agriculture, power, and industry across the region.
Call for Action
The call to action came in a letter dated July 17, addressed to GOP Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, and ranking member Rosa DeLauro. The letter was signed by Representatives Andy Biggs of Arizona and Dina Titus of Nevada. They emphasize the need for federal investments to support water supply resilience and reduce consumption throughout the Colorado River Basin.
Importance of the Colorado River
One in ten Americans relies on the Colorado River for drinking water, and it supplies 90% of U.S. winter produce crops. The Hoover and Glen Canyon dams generate electricity for 2.5 million people, while the river contributes over $26 billion annually to the outdoor economy. The lawmakers underline that any national security spending must also consider the risks facing the Colorado River Basin.
Broader Implications
Natural flow measurements on the river’s main stem and tributaries have decreased by 20% compared to 20th-century levels. Representative Biggs stated that the crisis affects not only the Southwest but the entire country due to the national industries relying on this water. The crisis also affects advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defense sectors.
Congress has previously allocated $4 billion for drought mitigation in the Western states, prioritizing the Colorado River Basin. However, less than $100 million remains. Projections suggest record-low snowpacks and high spring temperatures could lower Lake Powell and Lake Mead to critical levels by December 2026.
Negotiations and Future Plans
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum held a virtual meeting with governors from the seven states served by the Colorado River. The focus was on addressing the current state of the river and discussing future management strategies. Current water-sharing agreements are set to expire soon, requiring urgent negotiations.
Representative Titus remarked on Bureau of Reclamation projections showing Lake Mead could drop below its 2022 record low shortly. She stressed that immediate action is necessary to prevent further impacts on the millions dependent on the river.
The call for emergency funding was supported by Representatives Melanie Stansbury, Elijah Crane, Gabe Vasquez, Greg Stanton, J. Luis Correa, Yassamin Ansari, Jim Costa, Adelita Grijalva, Abraham Hamadeh, and Paul Gosar.