Arizona Senate Democrats Warn Federal Colorado River Framework Puts Arizona at Risk

PHOENIX - Arizona Senate Democratic Leader Priya Sundareshan and Senate Democratic Whip Rosanna Gabaldón released the following statement after the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation issued its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for future Colorado River operations.

The framework released today includes options that could have devastating consequences for Arizona families, farmers, Tribal communities, businesses, and our economy. Arizona depends on the Colorado River to provide drinking water, grow food, create jobs, and power industries that drive our state's economy. Unfair cuts to Arizona's water supply would ripple across communities and industries that millions of Arizonans rely on every day.

While today's announcement is not the federal government's final decision, Senate Democrats say the current framework still includes unacceptable options that place too much of the burden on Arizona while failing to require meaningful conservation from all states that depend on the Colorado River.

"Arizona has done its part to put significant Colorado River reductions on the table along with the other Lower Basin states, and we continue to pursue ways to increase efficiency and strengthen our water protections in-state,” said Senate Democratic Leader Priya Sundareshan. "The framework released today still includes options that would force Arizona to carry far more than its fair share of water reductions. That would put our communities, economy, and future growth at risk. We will continue fighting for a final agreement that treats every state fairly and protects Arizona families, workers, and businesses."

Arizona, California, and Nevada have proposed one of the largest water conservation efforts in the river's history, committing to save more than 3.2 million acre-feet of water over two years while sharing reductions across the Lower Basin. Senate Democrats are urging federal officials to build the final agreement around that proposal rather than imposing disproportionate cuts on Arizona.

"Water is the foundation of our communities and our economy," said Senate Democratic Whip Rosanna Gabaldón. "Our farmers, Tribal nations, businesses, and families have worked for decades to use water responsibly. Arizona should not be punished for leading on conservation while others refuse to do their part. We will keep fighting for a solution that protects our water, respects Arizona's legal rights, and ensures future generations have the resources they need to thrive."

The FEIS does not determine how much water Arizona will receive in 2027 and 2028. Those decisions will come through the federal government's upcoming Record of Decision and operating guidelines, which remain under negotiation. Arizona Senate Democrats pledged to continue working alongside Governor Katie Hobbs, the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Tribal nations, local communities, agricultural producers, and water users to secure a fair agreement that protects Arizona's water future.