Interior’s Post-2026 Colorado River Operating Framework Draws Immediate Legal Challenge

On Aug. 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior) adopted a new decision framework for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead through 2036 and simultaneously issued operating guidelines for 2027 and 2028 (Operating Guidelines). The actions are intended to replace the 2007 Interim Guidelines and other Colorado River water management agreements that expire at the end of 2026.

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