Kelly Statement on BOR’s Environmental Analysis, Colorado River Water Conservation Proposal

Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly issued this statement following the Bureau of Reclamation’s release of its environmental analysis and Colorado River water conservation proposal for basin states amid this ongoing historic drought. 

“The historic drought continues to impact communities across the West. It’s why I have worked to deliver critical investments that support water conservation and resilience in Arizona and across the region, but we need all Colorado River states to come together and do their part. Today’s announcement underscores the urgent need for basin states to take the lead by coming to a long-term agreement to protect the Colorado River system. We will continue working to make sure the funding we secured for drought mitigation gets to Arizonans and that the needs of our state are met,” said Senator Kelly.

Recently, Kelly announced a major water conservation agreement with the Gila River Indian Community which was made possible by dollars he secured in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In the Senate, Kelly has broken through partisan gridlock to secure historic investments that strengthen and protect Arizona’s water future. Between his work on the IRA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Kelly has delivered over $12 billion for drought resilience in Arizona and across the West. Kelly continues to push the Biden administration to use every tool at its disposal to protect Arizona farmers, cities, tribes, and businesses from the impacts of western drought.