LAS VEGAS, NV – December 11, 2025
Earlier this week, Governor Lombardo penned a letter to Secretary Doug Burgum of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to reaffirm Nevada’s commitment to achieving a seven-state agreement on the Colorado River and to urge the DOI to bring all Basin governors and negotiators together for a meeting in January 2026.
In his letter, Governor Lombardo thanked the Department for attempting to convene discussions in Washington, D.C. last week and stressed that continued engagement is essential as the risks of inaction on the Colorado River grow.
“While the recent meeting did not proceed as planned, the urgency of this issue demands that all seven Basin states return to the table quickly,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “Nevada stands ready to participate constructively, and we look forward to sustained regional engagement on this issue."
Governor Lombardo noted that Nevada has long demonstrated that responsible water management and economic growth can coexist, but emphasized that a durable solution requires coordinated action across the entire Basin.
“A seven-state agreement remains the preferred path,” Governor Lombardo concludes in his letter. “Achieving that outcome will require continued federal leadership, clear direction, firm timelines and the expectation that all parties will stay engaged until we reach an equitable and lasting outcome. I would welcome the opportunity for governors and negotiators to reconvene and respectfully request that you and your staff consider rescheduling the meeting for early January."
The full letter is attached.
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