Story perspectives

Colorado River Negotiations Stall Amid Looming Water Crisis

12/21/2025

Summary

Story summary

Negotiations among the seven Colorado River Basin states remain stalled on water management after 2026.
California's lead negotiator, JB Hamby, criticized the lack of progress.
Lower Basin states propose 1.5 million acre-feet of annual cuts, while the Upper Basin opposes mandatory reductions.
Lorelei Cloud, representing Indigenous interests, warned against federal intervention.
As the federal deadline approaches, experts warn of litigation or system collapse; Lake Powell could reach deadpool by 2027.

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Story summary

Negotiations among the seven Colorado River Basin states remain stalled on water management after 2026.
California's lead negotiator, JB Hamby, criticized the lack of progress.
Lower Basin states propose 1.5 million acre-feet of annual cuts, while the Upper Basin opposes mandatory reductions.
Lorelei Cloud, representing Indigenous interests, warned against federal intervention.
As the federal deadline approaches, experts warn of litigation or system collapse; Lake Powell could reach deadpool by 2027.