Upper Colorado River Commissioners Call for Immediate Return to Negotiating Table

Upper Basin proposes mediation to advance a seven-state consensus on Colorado River operations

SALT LAKE CITY — April 23, 2026 — At the 316th meeting of the Upper Colorado River Commission on April 21, the Upper Division States called for all parties to return to the Colorado River negotiating table and advance a path toward a seven-state consensus.

While time is short, the Commissioners expressed confidence that a consensus agreement for both near-term and long-term operations remains within reach. To advance this effort, the Commissioners proposed immediate mediation among the seven Basin States and the U.S. Department of the Interior/ Bureau of Reclamation.

Given the federal timeline, the Upper Division States today proposed starting the mediation process immediately.

Read the full press statement here.