Federal officials move forward on Colorado River operating rules as state negotiations stall
Navajo Times | Krista Allen
The Colorado River flows below Glen Canyon Dam at Lake Powell. Federal officials said Feb. 14 they will move forward with new post-2026 operating guidelines for the river after basin states failed to reach agreement on how to manage shrinking water supplies.
By Donovan Quintero
Special to the Times
WINDOW ROCK – Federal officials are moving forward with new operating rules for the Colorado River after seven basin states failed to reach a consensus on how to manage the shrinking water supply beyond 2026.
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced Feb. 14 that it will continue the environmental review process needed to finalize reservoir operating guidelines by Oct. 1, 2026. The decision comes as negotiations among the states remain unresolved for a second time, raising concerns about water deliveries, hydropower generation and long-term stability for tens of millions of people who rely on the river.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said federal officials cannot delay the timeline.
“Negotiation efforts have been productive. We have listened to every state’s perspective and have narrowed the discussion by identifying key elements and issues necessary for an agreement,” Burgum said. “We believe that a fair compromise with shared responsibility remains within reach.”
To read the full article, please see the Feb. 19, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.
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