Amid a stalemate over the future of the drought-stricken Colorado River, top state negotiators from across the West will meet at an annual gathering here this week along with the Biden administration officials who appear unlikely to forge an agreement before leaving office. Federal, state and tribal officials, along with environmentalists, farmers and other major water users, are all descending on the city for the Colorado River Water Users Association (CRWUA) conference, which this year comes as former President Donald Trump is about to come back into the White House. Although they are not expected to reach a deal, the focus will be on the multistate agreement that needs to be secured by 2026 to govern the waterway’s long-term operations.

Related articles:

• ABC 13 KTNV Las Vegas: Conference to discuss the management of the Colorado River is underway in the Las Vegas Valley
• Las Vegas Review-Journal: Experts urge caution in taking Colorado River negotiations to Supreme Court
• Courthouse News Service: Colorado River stakeholders tackle climate change, water rights at annual conference
• KLAS 8 News Now: Water officials gather in Las Vegas with 2026 deadline looming for Colorado River solutions
• Fox 13 Salt Lake City: Negotiations moving slowly in new deals governing the Colorado River