Colorado River Crisis: Why Federal Inaction Threatens America’s Water Future

The Colorado River—a lifeline for 40 million Americans across seven states—is drying up under unprecedented strain. Yet despite clear warning signs and legal authority, the federal government remains passive, allowing chronic overuse and waste to persist unchecked. How long will Washington ignore this looming water crisis?Why Is Federal Action Crucial Now?Earlier this year, environmental groups petitioned the Bureau of Reclamation to clamp down on “unreasonable” water use in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Their message was straightforward: with reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell reaching perilously low levels due to drought, climate change, and overconsumption, every drop counts. But the...