A new resolution in the Utah State Legislature calls for the state to use its full allocation of Colorado River water, potentially influencing negotiations between states, tribes, and Mexico over the future of the river.
A resolution introduced in the Utah State Legislature could significantly influence negotiations involving states, tribes, and Mexico concerning the future of the Colorado River. House Joint Resolution 9, sponsored by Rep. Casey Snider, a Republican representing Paradise, Utah , urges the state to utilize its full allocation of Colorado River water within both the upper and lower basins.
'Our primary objective is to ensure clarity and unambiguousness regarding the state's stance on the Colorado River,' Rep. Snider explained in an interview with FOX 13 News.The agreements governing the Colorado River are set to expire in 2026 and are currently undergoing renegotiation. The Great Basin Water Network expresses concern that the state's position, as conveyed through this resolution, implies a willingness to utilize Colorado River water 'whenever and wherever we want.' Kyle Roerink, the environmental group's director, stated, 'These Colorado River Compact negotiations, particularly the forward-looking aspects, are already complex enough. Introducing such assertive posturing further exacerbates the situation.'Negotiations among the states regarding a new Colorado River agreement have proven to be challenging. While the states participated in the Colorado River Water Users Association meeting in Las Vegas last December, they failed to engage in direct discussions. Instead, they exchanged verbal barbs both on stage and through news reports. However, since then, a calmer atmosphere has prevailed, and communication has resumed, according to Utah's negotiator, Gene Shawcroft. 'It's undeniable that posturing occurred in Las Vegas,' he acknowledged to FOX 13 News. 'Nevertheless, all seven states and the federal government recognize the significant benefits of achieving a seven-state consensus alternative. We've been meeting every other week since mid-January, and we're making strides. We're tackling challenging issues, some of which have never been addressed before.' Shawcroft indicated that he doesn't view the resolution or its companion bill regarding the Colorado River Authority of Utah as problematic.Conversely, Roerink argues that the resolution overlooks the scarcity of water in the Colorado River. 'We need practical strategies to determine how we can collectively reduce water usage,' he emphasized. 'This provision primarily underscores Utah's desire to utilize more water.' Rep. Snider maintains that the resolution does not empower Utah to act unilaterally. 'I don't believe any of us aspire to exceed available resources or claim more than our fair share,' he stated to FOX 13 News. 'But as these discussions progress, we anticipate other states striving to uphold their previously promised commitments. Our aim is to reaffirm our position amidst these evolving negotiations.
COLORADO RIVER UTAH WATER ALLOCATION NEGOTIATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS
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