Part of the increased participation stems from the current impasse in negotiations for the Post Operating Guidelines for Lakes Powell and Mead. Tensions could be felt in the hallways and discussions by nearly 1, attendees. Pressures came to a head during the Upper and Lower Basin Panels.
Another Upper Basin Negotiator, Brandon Gebhart, spoke out against the posturing and inability to compromise. Others on the Lower Basin Panel, such as JB Hamby, struck a different chord; the Lower Basin has been taking steps to lower water use despite the massive population, agricultural economy, and climate change. These realities are extremely troubling because it seems to be further entrenching the states in their own positions and is reducing their ability to compromise.
However, litigation did not seem to be the preferred alternative to solve the current breakdown in negotiations. A separate panel talked about the realities of litigation which could take decades, cost millions of dollars, and put the power to decide the outcome in the hands of judges which cannot fully capture the complexity and needs of each community partner along the river.
During the lunch, attendees discussed potential alternatives for the Bureau of Reclamation to consider which would provide operational flexibility and account for tribal water usage. Another highlight was the ability to talk with other colleagues and peers in the water space.
Networking at large conferences has been one of the best parts of these events because they allow for more understanding within the water community. Despite the tensions, the water community was able to come together and discuss how we can solve the problems on the Colorado River equitably. Unfortunately, CRUWA did not result in any big break through or give the states more clarity on how the Colorado will be managed. Although, leaders painted a clear picture of how difficult litigation will become if we are unable to agree.
