Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act

Senate Bill

S. 154

119th Congress

Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act

Held at the desk.

Introduced:Jan 21, 2025

Primary Sponsor

John Wright Hickenlooper

Senator

Democratic

CO

Cosponsors

4

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Water Resources Development

Summary

This bill extends Bureau of Reclamation pilot projects to increase water levels in the Upper Colorado River Basin and Lake Mead through FY2026. These conservation efforts address ongoing drought conditions affecting water supply for millions across the Southwest. The extension allows continued work on voluntary conservation agreements and infrastructure improvements to stabilize reservoir levels.

Latest Action

Held at the desk.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill extends Bureau of Reclamation pilot projects to increase water levels in the Upper Colorado River Basin and Lake Mead through FY2026. These conservation efforts address ongoing drought conditions affecting water supply for millions across the Southwest. The extension allows continued work on voluntary conservation agreements and infrastructure improvements to stabilize reservoir levels.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension ActThis bill extends through FY2026 the Bureau of Reclamation's pilot projects to increase water levels in the Upper Colorado River Basin and Lake Mead due to drought conditions.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Extends water conservation pilot projects through FY2026
Addresses Upper Colorado River Basin drought
Aims to increase Lake Mead water levels
Continues Bureau of Reclamation conservation efforts
Supports Southwest water supply stability

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

The Colorado River system faces an existential crisis with reservoirs at historic lows. This extension maintains federal support for conservation efforts that have helped stabilize water levels. Seven states depend on the river for drinking water, agriculture, and power generation. Continued investment in conservation buys time while longer-term solutions are developed.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Water Resources Development

Related Subjects

Arizona

California

Colorado

Congressional oversight

Nevada

New Mexico

Utah

Water resources funding

Wyoming

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

154, 119th Congress (2025). "Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-154