Statement from Arizona Chamber President & CEO Danny Seiden on Colorado River cuts

“As federal officials consider new rules for managing the Colorado River after 2026, Arizona is being asked to shoulder more than its fair share of the cuts. That is not acceptable, and we need our state’s leaders across both political parties to step up and aggressively push back. As the business community, we are prepared to do the same. 

“The Draft Environmental Impact Statement currently on the table places the risk of a shrinking river squarely on the Lower Basin. Every alternative shifts disproportionate responsibility to Arizona, and the 'no deal' option would devastate Arizona and the Central Arizona Project while leaving Upper Basin supplies untouched and allowing the Upper Basin to increase its water use.

“Arizona has spent decades investing in conservation, infrastructure, and smarter water management. We are willing to do our part, but we will not accept a federal approach that forces Arizona communities, tribal water users, and nationally critical industries to absorb unequal impacts so others can avoid shared responsibility.

“The best outcome remains a fair, durable seven-state agreement that reflects shared risk and shared accountability. If that does not happen, and Arizona continues to be singled out under a federal path forward, the business community is prepared to defend Arizona’s legal rights and pursue every available option to protect our economy and water security.”