Colorado River Basin

Winter snow has been a no-show in Utah and much of the West this season. That lack of snowpack could increase the cost of growing hay, which in turn could raise prices for local dairy farmers.

Negotiators are approaching a Feb. 14 deadline to make an agreement on how to manage the dwindling waterway. Friday's meeting didn't complete that goal, but governors called the gathering productive.

Leaders from seven states are meeting in Washington on Friday ahead of a Feb. 14 deadline to reach an agreement. However, negotiators still disagree on how water cuts should be handled.

President Donald Trump froze billions of dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act that was designed to protect water supplies for cities, farms and tribes.

Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act was allocated to conserve water and protect habitat, but President Trump's executive order put that spending on pause.

Disagreement, bickering, and uncertainty defined 2024 for the Southwest's shrinking water supply.

Money from the Inflation Reduction Act has helped save water in the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin. President-elect Trump appears poised to take away funding for those programs.

The seven states that use the Colorado River are like kids coming home to a family reunion. Those who follow river policy are frustrated with their level of disagreement.

The Biden Administration's Interior Department released proposals for managing the river in an apparent attempt to nudge the states toward agreement.

Water managers across the West say they do not expect a new Trump administration will alter post-2026 Colorado River talks.