The people who decide the fate of the Colorado River are gathering in Boulder this week for an annual conference. Their meeting comes at a pivotal time for negotiations on the river’s future.
Negotiators from all seven states that use the river will be speaking publicly at the two-day conference.
They’re in the middle of tense talks about how to cut back on demand as climate change is shrinking water supplies. They’ve got to come up with new rules for sharing the river before the current guidelines expire in 2026. Details about the progress of those negotiations have so far been scarce.
The states put out two competing proposals to manage the river back in March, and haven’t given many indications that they’re close to reconciling their differences. This week’s conference will also feature speakers from tribes, cities and farm districts.