Upper Division States on the Colorado River Refine March 2024 Alternative for Post-2026 River Operations to Include Conservation Measures

March 2025

California Water Law & Policy Reporter, Volume 35, Number 6

In late January 2025, the Upper Division States on the Colorado River – Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming – submitted refinements to their March 2024 proposal for guidelines to govern water allocations and cuts once the current guidelines expire in 2026. The refinements come after negotiations to develop a consensus alternative for Colorado River management with the three Lower Division States – California, Arizona, and Nevada – stalled over fundamental disagreements. With additional conservation measures to be provided by the Upper Division States, the refined alternative proposal could be a step toward resuming those discussions.

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