Story perspectives

Arizona Prepares Legal Battle Over Colorado River Rights

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Arizona hired Sullivan & Cromwell to prepare for a Colorado River rights legal battle.
Negotiations among seven states have failed, and new federal guidelines expected this summer may disproportionately impact Arizona.
Arizona says the Interior Department must follow the Colorado River Compact of 1922, mandating Upper Basin water flow.
Arizona is at risk if those states do not implement mandatory cuts.
Lawmakers created a litigation fund to support potential actions.

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Story summary

Arizona hired Sullivan & Cromwell to prepare for a Colorado River rights legal battle.
Negotiations among seven states have failed, and new federal guidelines expected this summer may disproportionately impact Arizona.
Arizona says the Interior Department must follow the Colorado River Compact of 1922, mandating Upper Basin water flow.
Arizona is at risk if those states do not implement mandatory cuts.
Lawmakers created a litigation fund to support potential actions.