HECHO Brings Key Insights and Recommendations to Collaborations About the Resilience of the Colorado River
HECHO (Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors) continues to play a pivotal role in promoting Hispanic leadership and participation in shaping the future of Colorado River resiliency work. HECHO has collaborated with its Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council members on these efforts, representing various state and municipal water authorities across the Colorado River Basin, including the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Central Arizona Project.
Together, we have been working diligently to craft recommendations aimed at addressing the unique needs and barriers of Hispanic leadership and participation in Colorado River resiliency decision-making. These recommendations include convene and publicize opportunities to obtain a basic education about the Basin, increase awareness of water boards to promote engagement and future leadership, and build a pipeline of Hispanic leaders that help shape decisions to increase the resiliency of the Colorado River Basin.
In a significant development, HECHO brought these working recommendations to Washington, D.C., during its third HCLC Advocacy Trip in September. These recommendations served as a foundation for productive discussions with the offices of the members of the newly formed bipartisan Congressional Colorado River Caucus, including Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM), and Joe Neguse (D-CO), which engaged with HECHO to discuss the recommendations and the ongoing efforts to elevate Hispanic voices within the caucus's working platform and objectives. The response from these offices was overwhelmingly positive, underlining the commitment of these leaders to continue working closely with HECHO in advancing Colorado River resiliency initiatives.
Colorado River Resilience: A Critical Challenge
With its vast watershed spanning the United States and Mexico, the Colorado River is a lifeline to millions of people and ecosystems. It supports urban communities, irrigated farmland, and a thriving recreation economy. However, the river faces dual challenges - historical overallocation and the exacerbating impacts of climate change. This century has seen flows drop significantly, endangering water supplies and the health of the river ecosystem.
It's crucial to recognize the social aspects intertwined with the river's health, including its significance to the Hispanic/Latino population. One in three of the 62 million Hispanics in the United States are directly tied to the Colorado River Basin in their water consumption and/or their employment. Moreover, the Basin is home to 30 tribal nations, many of which hold senior water rights, emphasizing the need for an inclusive and holistic approach to managing the Colorado River.
Water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell have reached historic lows. The complexity of managing the river is compounded by the intricate legal framework dating back over a century, known as the Law of the River, which includes the 1922 Colorado River Compact.
21st-century flows are 20% below the already inadequate 20th-century average, with a substantial portion of that reduction attributed to climate change and with continued declines predicted, and climate change further exacerbates the situation. In response, water managers have crafted the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) to conserve water, reflecting a united effort to protect the reservoirs. The Upper and Lower Basin states each have strategies to ensure the stability of Lake Powell and Lake Mead, respectively.
Thanks to the support of Congress in 2019, with the passage of the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act H.R. 2030/ S.1057, the Drought Contingency Plan has been authorized and can now be implemented. It's imperative for the Basin states to execute the measures outlined in the DCP, including municipal and agricultural incentives.
HECHO's Role in the Solution
In this process, HECHO stresses the importance of involving Hispanic/Latino communities to safeguard their water rights and create a sustainable environment for future generations. To this end, HECHO recommends supporting local and state initiatives that align with the 116th Congress’s Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act. By working together, we can ensure the Colorado River remains a vital resource for all, regardless of background or heritage.
HECHO remains committed to leading the way in this critical work at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring that the voices of the Hispanic community are elevated and that the Colorado River continues to flow for generations to come.