Robust and flexible guidelines are needed to manage the Colorado River system and its resources under a broad range of potential future hydrologic conditions.” The Colorado River delivers water to approximately 40 million people across seven states, two counties and 30 tribal nations. Under the proposal, the Lower Basin states could be called upon to make cuts of up to 3 million acre-feet. The Colorado River flows alongside Interstate 70 near Rifle, as seen on board an EcoFlight on July 8, 2026. The governors continued that the “water supply realities” and “severe drought” across the Colorado River basin demonstrate the need for a practical solution.