Rep. Grijalva Statement on Newly Announced Federal Proposal for Colorado River Water Cuts

Tucson, AZ – Congresswoman Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement in response to the Bureau of Reclamation’s plan to apportion Colorado River water cuts.

“While we are still awaiting the final operational plans for the next two years, any proposal that imposes the vast majority of cuts on Arizona is unreasonable and unacceptable — especially while Upper Basin states continue to hide behind an outdated legal framework that is disconnected from today’s hydrologic realities, allowing them to avoid making meaningful reductions to their own water use.

I will continue fighting for Arizona’s CAP users in our cities and towns, who have made extraordinary investments and sacrifices over the past several decades to reduce water use. I will also continue advocating for agricultural producers in Yuma County, whose work is essential to keeping America’s food supply strong and reducing grocery prices. I will continue standing with Arizona’s Tribal Nations, whose hard-fought water settlements must be respected.

The responsibility for reducing water consumption must be shared fairly among all Colorado River Basin states, and the final plan must respect Arizona’s legal water rights. Only an equitable, seven-state approach will put the Colorado River on a sustainable path, prevent dangerously low reservoir levels, and protect this critical resource for generations to come.”