Sen. Kelly urges DOI to outline actions to protect AZ water resources

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Amid ongoing negotiations among Colorado River Basin states, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly urged the Department of Interior (DOI) to outline actions to protect Arizona water resources.

That and to ensure the stability of the Colorado River system.

Also, Kelly called on the DOI to withhold funds federal funds for California's Salton Sea drought mitigation until California commits to allocating additional water for long-term conservation.

Excerpt from Kelly's Letter

“Months later, as an agreement remains stalled, it’s clear that Reclamation must outline to states what steps it is willing to take and when to conserve more water.

Recognizing Arizona’s significant efforts to protect Lake Mead and Lake Powell, and the role of our farmers as a year-round source of food for our nation, I encourage the Department to outline scenarios for mandatory reductions, including accounting for evaporation losses from Colorado River contractors in California and strengthening limitations on California’s withdrawal of surplus water that it banks in Lake Mead.

Additionally, "I call on the Department to withhold federal funding for Salton Sea drought mitigation until California commits additional water for long-term conservation."