Governor Joe Lombardo Releases Statement on Colorado River Final Environmental Impact Statement

LAS VEGAS - Governor Joe Lombardo released the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Interior posted the Bureau of Reclamation's Final Environmental Impact Statement outlining a preferred course of action for future management of Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

"Nevada has long recognized the challenges facing the Colorado River, and we have spent decades preparing for them through responsible conservation and strategic planning. Because of those efforts, Nevada leads the seven basin states in water recycling and is well positioned to meet its commitments while fully supporting Southern Nevada's families, businesses, and economy under any reasonable operating plan that involves shared sacrifice from all water users across the Colorado River Basin.

"Unfortunately, the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) released by the Department of the Interior today seeks to impose unrealistic reductions on Nevada and our water users. If carried forward, the plan outlined in the FEIS could have devastating economic and environmental impacts on Nevada. Nevada has put forward reasonable compromise proposals to the other states, and I will fight against any outcome that imposes unreasonable impacts to our communities and those living in them.

"Nevada has consistently demonstrated that economic growth and responsible water management can go hand in hand, and I remain committed to working with our federal partners and the other basin states to reach enduring solutions that strengthen the river system while protecting Nevada's future."

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