Nevada Governor Lombardo Vows To Fight ‘Devastating’ Federal Colorado River Water Plan

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo spoke out Friday against a new federal plan for managing water from the Colorado River, warning it could unfairly cut Nevada’s share and hurt the state’s economy and communities.The U.S. Department of the Interior released a major report outlining how two key reservoirs — Lake Powell and Lake Mead — will be run after current rules expire at the end of 2026. The plan calls for significant reductions in water use, with the heaviest cuts falling on Nevada, Arizona, and California.

Under the near-term approach expected for the next two years, Arizona would cut its Colorado River water use by about 27%, Nevada by about 17%, and California by about 10%. Deeper cuts remain possible later if drought conditions worsen. The three states together face reductions of roughly 20% overall in the early years of the plan.

In a statement released after the FEIS posting, Lombardo emphasized Nevada’s long record of preparation and leadership on the Colorado River.

“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,” Lombardo said.

“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.”

Southern Nevada draws approximately 90 percent of its water supply from the Colorado River system via Lake Mead.

The FEIS comes after years of negotiations failed to produce a consensus long-term agreement among the basin states. Federal officials, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, described the adaptive framework as providing flexibility and reliability for the roughly 40 million people who depend on the river while leaving the door open for continued state-level collaboration. 

Lombardo’s response signals that Nevada will continue pressing for equitable outcomes. The governor has previously urged the states to reach a seven-state deal and stressed the need for federal leadership that avoids litigation and protects communities reliant on the river.

A Record of Decision is expected to formalize the path forward ahead of the October 1, 2026, start of the next water year.