Hickenlooper Statement on DOI Plan for Colorado River Operations

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement on the U.S. Department of the Interior's new 2027-2028 plan for Colorado River operations:

"Coloradans know how important it is to responsibly manage the Colorado River, especially in a year as painfully dry as this one. While today's announcement provides a short-term framework, long-term action to protect this increasingly strained resource from prolonged drought and the effects of climate change is critical both for Colorado and the entire Basin."

Hickenlooper has consistently advocated for a seven-state agreement for the post-2026 negotiations. In the Senate, Hickenlooper convened the bipartisan Colorado River Caucus to help address the Colorado River crisis. He has also introduced legislation to improve ways that we measure snowmelt, support water conservation projects, and hire more water project navigators to help states, Tribes, and rural communities secure resources for projects that improve water efficiency. Hickenlooper also helped secure millions in funding for water conservation projects in the West from both the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

As governor, Hickenlooper helped negotiate the 2019 Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan, which helped protect critical levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead and ensured continued compliance with the 1922 Colorado River Compact.

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