The Law of the River at a Crossroads: Arizona, the Colorado, and the future

A one-hour CLE on the Colorado River: the century-old Law of the River, today's shortage crisis, and Arizona's water future after 2026.
About this Event

The Colorado River supplies a considerable portion of Arizona's water, and the century of law governing it is being tested as never before. This one-hour CLE offers a clear, practitioner-focused overview in three parts. First, we trace the “Law of the River”—from the 1922 Compact and Arizona v. California through the 2007 Interim Guidelines and 2019 Drought Contingency Plan—to explain how the current system came to be. Second, we examine the current situation: the structural deficit, conditions at Lakes Mead and Powell, and why the Central Arizona Project’s junior priority means it absorbs the deepest cuts. Finally, we look ahead to the post-2026 negotiations and the litigation risk on the horizon. A panel discussion and audience Q&A will follow.

The State Bar of Arizona does not approve or accredit CLE activities for the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education requirement. This activity may qualify for up to 1.00 hours toward your annual CLE requirement for the State Bar of Arizona.