POLITICO Energy As a major Colorado River deadline nears, Trump is playing it safe
Nov 6, 2025
Annie Snider, a water policy reporter for POLITICO Pro, dives into the urgent negotiations over the dwindling Colorado River, crucial for 40 million people. She discusses the implications of the approaching deadline, why the Trump administration is unusually cautious this time, and the potential fallout if states can't reach a consensus. Annie also highlights the choice of Scott Cameron to lead federal talks, emphasizing his role as a compromise figure amid the ongoing water crisis.
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Deadline Looms For Colorado River Rules
- The Colorado River's current operating rules expire at the end of 2026, forcing urgent renegotiation among seven states.
- Diminished flows and falling reservoir levels create a near-term risk to water deliveries and hydropower stability.
Lake Powell Could Trigger Early Crisis
- Federal projections show Lake Powell could reach critical levels by next August, forcing choices about downstream deliveries or hydropower shutdowns.
- These operational risks could precede the 2026 rule deadline and destabilize the western grid.
Meet The November 11 Window
- The federal government set a November 11 deadline for a top-level agreement to avoid an interim federal plan.
- States should use that window to produce elements the feds can include in the NEPA draft statement.