Kelly, Gallego Joint Statement on 2027–2028 Colorado River Operating Guidelines

Today, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego released the following statement after the Department of the Interior finalized new operating guidelines for the Colorado River for 2027 and 2028:

"This decision provides much-needed certainty for Arizona and the Colorado River over the next two years. The 2027 and 2028 guidelines protect Arizona from even deeper near-term cuts while giving the seven Basin states more time to reach a long-term agreement. Arizona and our Lower Basin partners have stepped up with significant conservation commitments, and now every Basin state needs to do its part.

"We'll keep working with Arizona's water leaders, Lower Basin states, and the Department of the Interior to put this plan into action and reach a fair, lasting agreement that protects the state's water future."