Dozens of federal, state, and tribal leaders have convened in Las Vegas for the Colorado River Water Users Association annual conference, with the aim of tackling the pressing issues surrounding the Colorado River. The conference serves as a platform for important discussions, albeit mostly behind closed doors, as these decision-making figures grapple with the challenges posed by the ongoing drought and dwindling water supply affecting the seven states reliant on the river.

Bruce Babbitt, the former Democratic governor of Arizona and former Interior secretary under President Clinton, has been closely involved in shaping the fate of the Colorado River since the 1970s. Babbitt, now 85, remains an influential voice on the matter and expressed hope that lessons have been learned from previous disputes over water allocations and reductions.

The Biden administration, in the midst of finalizing an emergency plan to address last year's doomsday scenario, is also working on a long-term operating plan that will guide the basin for the next 20 years. This plan will have far-reaching implications for the more than 40 million people who rely on the river, including the sustainability of major cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas, as well as over 5.5 million acres of fertile farmland.

One of the significant factors driving the discussions is the allocation of shortages between California and Arizona in the Lower Basin, which has been a source of controversy. Historically, California has shouldered 32% of the shortage burden, while Arizona has borne 65%. However, the recently established short-term agreement, known as the SEIS, sees California making a significant concession by increasing its proportion of sharing to 53%, with Arizona now responsible for 37%.

Amidst the negotiations, funding disputes are expected to persist. Babbitt highlighted the discrepancy in payments between farmers in California's Imperial Irrigation District – which alone consumes as much Colorado River water as both Arizona and Nevada combined – and Arizona farmers. Babbitt questioned the absence of policy and expressed concern over the lack of logic in the allocation of funds.

The urgency to address the Colorado River crisis stems not only from the impact on the seven states in the basin but also from the broader implications for the national economy and decision-making processes. The agricultural sector plays a pivotal role, with Arizona and California producing seasonal products that have a nationwide market. Additionally, with the federal government already committing over $1.2 billion to provide temporary relief, there are concerns about the long-term financial obligations that may be set as a precedent.

Scientists have been warning of the worsening conditions on the Colorado River for over a decade. However, politicians, driven by short-term considerations, often fail to respond proactively to future predictions. This highlights the significance of the current efforts to secure a long-term operating plan for the river basin.

While the new operating plan is not expected to be finalized until after the 2024 election, the Biden administration faces pressure to expedite the resolution of these issues. The outcomes of the negotiations and agreements reached will undoubtedly shape the future of the Colorado River Basin and will have far-reaching consequences for water users, taxpayers, and the sustainability of the region.

As the discussions at the Colorado River Water Users Association conference unfold, with the engagement of key decision-makers from states, irrigation districts, and the Department of the Interior, the focus remains on addressing the water crisis and achieving a more equitable sharing of the burden. The scoping report released by the Interior emphasizes the importance of public participation and engagement, underlining the need for a collaborative approach in crafting a viable solution for the river's uncertain future.