Utah lawmakers have given the state more voice in negotiations over the Colorado and Bear rivers. The move, however, has some environmentalists concerned about the sensitive multi-state agreements that govern the rivers. Utah water agent Joel Ferry’s job is to help secure his state’s future water needs. Ferry, whose position was created during the 2024 legislative session, said he’s looking at everything from conservation to new sources. Previous legislation prevented him from negotiating with other states tied to interstate water compacts. Now, a new Utah law gives Ferry the power to collaborate on water issues with states in the Colorado and Bear river basins. But Kyle Roerink, executive director of the Great Basin Water Network, a water policy nonprofit, is concerned Ferry could be a wild card in sensitive talks over the rivers’ futures.

Other Colorado River Basin news:

• The Colorado Sun (Denver): Colorado doesn’t know how much water it has. This CU scientist is kayaking to find out.
• Deseret News (Salt Lake City, Utah): Opinion: Why farming is essential to Utah’s water sustainability
• The Colorado Sun (Denver): Tiny zebra mussels forced Colorado to completely drain a lake. Now, it’s time to refill it.
• BizWest (Boulder, Colo.): “Our water”: Northern Colorado communities must evolve mindset with increased competition