Colorado River Discussions Delayed as Lombardo Requests January Meeting

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reschedule Colorado River negotiations for early January after a planned meeting in Washington did not move forward as expected.

In a letter dated Dec. 9, Lombardo thanked Burgum for convening governors and state negotiators from the Colorado River Basin but noted that the discussions did not unfold as intended. He acknowledged the Interior Department’s continued efforts to advance talks and expand engagement, emphasizing that delays increase the risks associated with inaction on long-term water management.

Lombardo stated that Nevada and its Lower Basin partners remain prepared to participate constructively in future negotiations. He stressed that lasting solutions depend on consistent participation from all parties involved in managing the river’s limited resources.

The governor pointed to Nevada’s water management record over the past 20 years, noting that the state has implemented extensive conservation policies while maintaining economic growth. He said Nevada’s approach has demonstrated that effective water stewardship and development can coexist and that its planning efforts serve as a reference point for other water-stressed regions.

While acknowledging that upcoming decisions will be difficult, Lombardo said state-level conservation efforts alone are not enough to address basin-wide challenges. He reiterated that a comprehensive agreement among all seven basin states remains the preferred outcome and said achieving such an agreement will require sustained federal leadership, clear guidance, defined timelines, and continued engagement from every state.

Lombardo formally requested that the Interior Department consider rescheduling the meeting for early January, allowing governors and negotiators to reconvene and continue discussions. He concluded by reaffirming Nevada’s commitment to collaboration and action to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for communities throughout the Colorado River Basin.