Arizona house speaker on FEIS for post-2026 Colorado River operations

PHOENIX (KYMA) - Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro issued a statement regarding the federal government's Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for post-2026 Colorado River operations.

In a press release, FEIS included a "range of possible reductions to the Lower Basin, including Arizona, but does not include the specific reductions that Arizona and other Lower Basin states will take in the next two years."

However, these specific cuts, according to the press release, are expected to be around 20% of the "Lower Basin's total 7.5 million-acre-foot allocation."

"Arizona must be clear-eyed, united, and firm in defense of our water future," said Speaker Montenegro. "The Colorado River is vital to our state, and Arizona has spent decades preparing for drought, conserving water, storing water underground, and building a stronger water system. Our job now is to stay prepared, continue protecting Arizona's rights, and defend our economy while making sure decisions in Washington recognize the contributions our state makes to national security and the economy."

The cuts are expected to be announced next week with the Record of Decision, but House Republicans will work with Arizona stakeholders to evaluate it, once it's issued.

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