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Publication Date
2026
Publisher
Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment
Description
The Colorado River is facing unprecedented change and uncertainty. Average annual flows continue to decline, and negotiations to craft post-2026 guidelines to manage the river have repeatedly bogged down in disagreements about delivery obligations, sharing shortages, and mandatory conservation. While some clarity may emerge in the coming months, the ability to sustain many existing municipal and agricultural water users is already being compromised. Meanwhile, there is growing recognition that a durable resolution must also address the water rights of sovereign Tribal Nations and better integrate environmental values into river management. All sovereigns, stakeholders, and sectors must work together now more than ever to find solutions for short-term needs and long-term goals.
Citation Information
Endara, Emilia and Kenney, Douglas, "The Colorado River: Searching for Solutions in the Face of Uncertainty: Conference Summary" (2026). Books, Reports, and Studies. 182.
https://scholar.law.colorado.edu/books_reports_studies/182
Alternate Title
46th Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources: Conference Summary
Included in
Environmental Law Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Indigenous, Indian, and Aboriginal Law Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Law Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Sustainability Commons, Water Law Commons, Water Resource Management Commons
Notes
Conference summary from the 46th Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources, held on June 4-5, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado at Getches-Wilkinson Center, University of Colorado Law School. Hosted by the Getches-Wilkinson Center and the Water & Tribes Initiative, this document serves to preserve lessons learned and stories shared as management of the Colorado River continues to evolve.