LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Gov. Joe Lombardo and Southern Nevada Water Authority General Manager John Entsminger welcomed Arizona’s decision to join Nevada’s lawsuit over the Colorado River.
Arizona announced it will join Nevada’s legal challenge to the federal plan for post-2026 Colorado River operations.
Lombardo said the federal plan unfairly burdens the Lower Basin and fails to require meaningful reductions from the Upper Basin.
“Arizona’s decision to join our lawsuit is an important step in challenging a federal plan that unfairly burdens the Lower Basin and fails to require the Upper Basin to make meaningful reductions. Nevada will not accept a framework that puts our water supply and the future of our communities at risk,” Lombardo said in a statement.
“I welcome Arizona’s partnership as we work toward a fair agreement that requires all seven Basin states to share responsibility for protecting the Colorado River. We remain committed to a negotiated solution, but I will not allow Nevada’s interests to be pushed aside. I will continue fighting to protect our water supply and ensure Nevadans get a fair deal,” he continued.
Entsminger said Arizona and Nevada share concerns about flaws in the federal government’s Environmental Impact Statement and the National Environmental Policy Act process used to develop the framework.
“Arizona’s decision to join Nevada’s legal challenge reflects a shared commitment to ensure decisions affecting the Colorado River are based on a transparent, scientific, and legally sound process,” Entsminger said.
He added SNWA remains committed to working with California and Arizona to finalize a Lower Basin agreement to equitably reduce near-term demands on Lake Mead.
“Throughout this process, Nevada and the Lower Basin States have demonstrated that collaboration produces meaningful results, and we remain optimistic that the Colorado River Basin States can reach durable solutions that protect water users, support regional economies, and strengthen the resilience of the Colorado River for future generations,” Entsminger said.
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