State Sues Over Major Water Cuts
Nevada became the first state to sue the Trump administration after federally mandated water usage cuts due to decades of drought that diminished the Colorado River. It is the latest example of a regional water crisis that threatens agricultural vitality.
The Colorado River is a vital water source for seven states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The river irrigates more than five million acres of farmland, provides drinking water for 40 million people, and generates hydropower.
But years of hotter temperatures and reduced moisture took a toll, draining Lake Mead and Lake Powell, its two reservoirs, to record low levels.
The Trump administration announced major cuts to only three of the seven impacted states: Arizona, California, and Nevada. The states must implement nearly 20% reductions in water use over the next two years.
RELATED: This American Farmland Owner story last year looked at how local agricultural partners were dealing with Colorado River's declining water availability.
How Is Nevada Responding to the Colorado River Cuts?
Singling out the three lower basin states is unfair, Nevada leaders claim.
"Under the proposed plan issued by the Department of the Interior, southern Nevada could lose more than 70 percent of its already meager Colorado River allocation while the Upper Basin states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming are not required to contribute a drop," Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo said in a statement.
He continued, "This isn't about political posturing; this is a matter of survival for a community that represents about two-thirds of our state's citizens and the lion's share of its economy."
Lombardo's statement pointed to previous efforts by state and local leaders to reduce use of the Colorado River by 40%.
"The Department of the Interior can't roll Nevada and solve the entire Colorado River shortage on the backs of the Lower Basin states," said Lombardo. "We've already shown that we're willing to do our part, but the Colorado River is a shared resource, so the solution needs to involve everybody. Until that happens, we are prepared to fight for as long as it takes."
What Is the Dispute Between Upper and Lower Basin States?
The lawsuit is the result of years of disagreement between the states. Upper Basin states contend that they have already reduced reliance on the Colorado River, and Lower Basin states must now bear the cuts.
"The Department (of the Interior) has a responsibility to ensure the Colorado River system remains reliable and resilient for the millions of Americans, communities and industries that depend on it," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, a former Republican governor of North Dakota, in a statement about the Colorado River plans.
What Questions Remain About the Colorado River's Future?
Nevada's lawsuit presents questions about the future of the water management plan. Will a federal district judge halt the Trump administration's plans for the Colorado River until Nevada's lawsuit gets resolved? Or will the judge permit cuts to take effect pending the trial's outcome?
Either way, what happens if Colorado River's levels don't improve? Will that require more water usage cuts for the region?
RELATED: American Farmland Owner has been tracking California's water plans that have impacted agricultural operations. Here's what one firm's founder thinks about the transition so far.
