U.S. unveils 10-year Colorado River plan with up to 40% cuts

The Trump administration on Friday released a 10-year plan for the shrinking Colorado River that allows the Bureau of Reclamation to cut water deliveries to California, Arizona and Nevada by up to 3 million acre-feet per year — as much as 40% of their combined allotments — when hydrology requires it. Source: Los Angeles Times The plan, which runs through 2036, is the federal response to a years-long stalemate among seven basin states and replaces rules expiring this year. Source: The Guardian

The plan

The framework directs mandatory cuts at the Lower Basin only; for now, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico are spared. Source: The Guardian The actual extent of reductions would depend on reservoir levels and hydrological conditions. Source: Ground News Management decisions under the 10-year framework will be made every two years, and Lake Powell releases would be allowed between 5 million and 12 million acre-feet annually. Source: The Guardian

Near-term cuts

For the first two years, officials say the administration accepted the three states' offer to reduce combined withdrawals by about 3.2 million acre-feet through 2028, avoiding the harshest option. Source: Los Angeles Times Under that deal, California would cut its use by about 12%, Arizona by 31% and Nevada by 28%. Source: Los Angeles Times

What's next

A federal record of decision is expected in the coming week detailing short-term operations. Source: The Guardian The two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, are at record lows and unlikely to recover even after a wet winter. Source: The Guardian The Interior Department's announcement did not mention climate change, though research links global warming to more intense heat and dryness. Source: Los Angeles Times