States in Colorado River basin pitch new ways to absorb shortages but clash on the approach

By AMY TAXIN and BRITTANY PETERSON
Associated Press

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — U.S. states that draw water from the Colorado River basin are suggesting new ways to determine how to absorb shortages in supply. But they don’t agree on the approach. The Lower Basin states of Arizona, Nevada and California want what they say is a more equitable way of distributing any cuts. Meanwhile, the Upper Basin states of Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah say they are subject to Mother Nature and shouldn’t be subject to mandatory cuts. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will consider the proposals in crafting a final plan that would go into effect in 2027 after the current rules and guidelines expire.