Interior Department Finalizes 2027-2028 Colorado River Operating Guidelines, Secretary Burgum Signs Record of Decision
The Department of the Interior has finalized the 2027-2028 Operating Guidelines and the Record of Decision for the Post-2026 Colorado River Operations Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Interior Secretary Doug Burgum signed these documents, establishing a 10-year Decision Framework designed to guide future operational guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. These decisions aim to ensure reliable operations of the Colorado River system, deliver vital water supplies, and protect critical federal infrastructure. The framework also incorporates flexibility to respond to voluntary actions from Basin states, consensus recommendations, and the ongoing prolonged drought. Secretary Burgum emphasized the critical dependence of 40 million people, millions of acres of farmland, and industries across the American West on the Colorado River. The guidelines include objective criteria for releases from Lake Powell to maintain a minimum elevation of 3,510 feet, reductions in water deliveries to Lower Basin State...
