Wyoming, Utah Governors and Senators Hold Meeting on Colorado River Negotiations

Wyoming and Utah delegations discuss future of Colorado River Basin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon (R-Wyo.) and Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R-Utah) joined U.S. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Mike Lee (R-Utah), and U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) in Washington, D.C. for a meeting on Colorado River negotiations. They discussed the future of the Colorado River Basin and the long-term management of critical water resources, including Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Lake Powell.

"We came to Washington D.C. to have serious conversations about the future of the Colorado River Basin, and those conversations were productive," said Governor Gordon. "Wyoming is committed to bringing forward ideas, and leading the search for practical solutions that recognize both the realities of drought and the needs of the West."

"Utah remains committed to a seven-basin-state solution that protects the long-term future of the Colorado River," said Governor Cox. "Any durable agreement must recognize the realities facing the Upper Basin, where communities are already living with significant shortages and doing their part to conserve water. We believe the best path forward is a fair, negotiated solution that keeps all states at the table and avoids years of costly litigation."

"The Colorado River Basin is a lifeline for Wyoming families, farmers, ranchers, and our economy," said Senator Barrasso. "Any management plan must address shortages from emergency withdrawals and drought, especially from Wyoming's Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Wyoming and Utah will continue to fight for a seven-basin-state solution that treats our Upper Basin fairly."

"The Colorado River is vital to the people, communities, and economies of the American West," said Senator Lee. "As the Department of the Interior moves toward a post-2026 operating plan, it is essential that any solution respect existing law, recognize the realities facing the Upper Basin, and protect the ability of our states to develop and use the water to which they are entitled. I appreciate Governor Cox, Governor Gordon, and my colleagues for coming together to ensure the Upper Basin continues to speak with a united voice."

"The Upper Basin has always managed our water responsibly, and we will not allow that authority to be stripped away or our resources bargained off because others failed to do their job," said Senator Lummis. "The Upper Basin speaks with one voice and that voice will be heard. I'm proud to work with my Wyoming and Utah colleagues to defend what is ours."

"Upper Basin states share a strong interest in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River," said Senator Curtis. "Meetings like today's are important as we navigate practical, innovative, and bipartisan solutions to help address our water management challenges."

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