SALT LAKE CITY — The state of Nevada filed a lawsuit against the federal government Monday morning over its management plan for the Colorado River.
As FOX 13 News has reported, the feds stepped in with a plan after the states failed to reach a deal to manage the dwindling Colorado River. The plan out of D.C. would mean deep water cuts for states in the Lower Basin, like Nevada.
According to KTNV, FOX 13 News' sister station in Las Vegas, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo called the issue “a matter of survival” for people in Nevada who rely on the river.
The lawsuit was filed by the State of Nevada, the Colorado River Commission of Nevada and the Southern Nevada Water Authority.
It challenges the new operating guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead, arguing that it could cut up to 71% of Nevada’s Colorado River supply, threatening water security for millions of those who live there.
WATCH: Utah worries feds could dip into Flaming Gorge again as Lake Powell hits record low
The lawsuit claims Nevada has already reduced Colorado River consumption by more than 40% since 2002, despite Las Vegas’ growing population. It also argues that the federal government failed to analyze the economic consequences of water shortages on users.
The new 2027-2028 operating guidelines are supposed to take effect on Oct. 1 of this year.
The Colorado River Authority of Utah said it is reviewing Nevada's complaint but has no comment at this time.
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, however, said the move is not productive.
“Nevada is making an already difficult situation more difficult," Schultz said in a statement. "Reaching an agreement requires every state to come to the table, respect the process and recognize its responsibility to be part of the solution. Litigation doesn’t move us closer to an agreement. Utah will continue to protect its water rights and work toward a fair, workable solution for the entire Colorado River Basin.”
