The Biden administration has announced a range of options for new rules to address chronic water shortages and low reservoir levels on the Colorado River, a vital water source for seven Western states that has dwindled during more than two decades of drought compounded by climate change. The Interior Department released four alternatives for new long-term rules aimed at dealing with potential shortages after 2026, when the current operating rules expire. The announcement of the proposed alternatives represents one of the Biden administration’s final steps to outline potential paths toward reaching a consensus among California and the six other states, as well as the region’s 30 Native tribes.

Other Colorado River articles:

• KUNC: White House urges Colorado River states to pick up the pace of negotiations
• The Associated Press: Feds outline ‘necessary steps’ for Colorado River agreement by 2026 but no recommendation yet
• The Desert Sun (Palm Springs): Biden White House likely won’t finish long-term Colorado River plan, unveils five options
• E&E News by Politico: Biden admin pushes ‘consensus path’ for Colorado River management
• Colorado Politics: Colorado River management proposals receive mixed reactions, with hints of possible legal battle
• Las Vegas Review-Journal: ‘Clear as mud’: Feds offer vague window into Colorado River talks
• U.S. Department of Interior news release: Biden-Harris administration puts Colorado River on path to success
• Freethink: The West needs more water. This Nobel winner may have the answer.