A race to secure Colorado River deal before Trump’s term begins

The Biden administration is pushing for a consensus among seven Western states to protect the Colorado River’s water supply before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, but negotiations face significant obstacles.

Ella Nilsen reports for CNN.

In short:

• The Colorado River supplies drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectric power to tens of millions, but states remain divided over how to handle dwindling resources.
• Biden officials proposed five alternatives for managing river water after 2026 to ensure sustainable levels and avoid a potential Supreme Court case.
• Upper- and lower-basin states disagree on water cuts, and negotiators doubt consensus can be reached by January, as the negotiations will determine water quotas for decades to come.

Key quote:

“We continue to encourage all basin partners to find a consensus agreement that meets the needs of all the river’s users.”

— Ali Zaidi, the White House national climate adviser.

Why this matters:

The Colorado River is vital for water, food and energy across the West. With climate change and population growth intensifying the crisis, delays in securing an agreement could exacerbate water shortages, sparking legal battles and endangering millions’ livelihoods.