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HIGHLIGHTS
On December 16-18, the 80th Colorado River Water Users Association meeting in Las Vegas brought together basin stakeholders to discuss the need for near-term agreements to manage the Colorado River. Speakers highlighted the river’s structural deficit, declining reservoir storage, and mounting risks from climate change, emphasizing that litigation would be slow and destabilizing compared to negotiated solutions. Upper and Lower Basin representatives outlined extensive conservation efforts already underway, but disagreed shortage-sharing design. Negotiators reconfirmed their commitment to crafting a shared agreement before the federal February 14th deadline.
On January 5, WSWC submitted comments on the proposed WOTUS rule urging the agencies to uphold cooperative federalism by meaningfully incorporating state perspectives, allowing adequate time for state review, and providing technical, financial, and data-support tools to assist states in implementation.
On December 17, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee began the 2026 WRDA process, with stakeholders stressing the need to maintain the two-year authorization cycle and expand streamlined permitting and innovative funding tools. Members emphasized WRDA’s role in supporting navigation, flood control, and strong federal–nonfederal partnerships.
On January 8, the House failed to override President Trump’s veto of the Finish the Arkansas Conduit Act (H.R. 131), despite bipartisan support and unanimous backing from Colorado’s congressional delegation. The President cited high costs, extended repayment terms, and taxpayer burden concerns. Colorado Governor Jared Polis said the veto jeopardizes a long-delayed, already-underway project intended to deliver clean drinking water to southeastern Colorado.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WSWC Spring Meetings
The WSWC Spring (209th) Meetings and Washington Roundtable, jointly hosted by the Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP), will be held from April 21-24, 2026.