Senator Kelly Requests Senate Hearing After Colorado River Drought Declaration

Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, requested a hearing on drought conditions along the Colorado River after the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation issued water level projections for Lake Mead and Lake Powell.

“The Colorado River is the lifeblood of many Arizona cities, tribal communities, and generations of farmers who depend on it for water,” said Senator Kelly. “The announcement by the Bureau of Reclamation is serious, but Arizona has prepared for these initial water curtailments through the Lower Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that passed the Senate fully funds the plan, as well as additional improvements to make our state more resilient to drought. I am requesting a hearing on the steps being taken to address drought conditions on the Colorado River as we continue working to secure Arizona’s water future.”

For a copy of Senator Kelly’s letter requesting a hearing, click here.

Kelly is one of the 22 members of the Senate bipartisan group that reached a $1.2 trillion infrastructure agreement, now called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which passed the Senate last week. Kelly was part of the bipartisan working groups focused on drafting the western water and drinking water portions of the legislation. For more details on what he secured for those priorities, click here.