Governor Joe Lombardo, SNWA General Manager John Entsminger Issue Statements on Arizona Joining Nevada’s Colorado River Lawsuit

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Governor Joe Lombardo, SNWA General Manager John Entsminger Issue Statements on Arizona Joining Nevada’s Colorado River Lawsuit LAS VEGAS — Today, Governor Joe Lombardo and Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) General Manager John Entsminger issued the following statements regarding Arizona’s announcement to join Nevada’s Colorado River lawsuit. Nevada Files Lawsuit Against Department of the Interior over Colorado River Operations Record of Decision

Official release

Source material from Nevada Governor’s Office. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

Governor Joe Lombardo, SNWA General Manager John Entsminger Issue Statements on Arizona Joining Nevada’s Colorado River Lawsuit

October 16, 2026

By

Drew Galang

| Communications Director

| press@gov.nv.gov

LAS VEGAS — Today, Governor Joe Lombardo and Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) General Manager John Entsminger issued the following statements regarding Arizona’s announcement to join Nevada’s Colorado River lawsuit.

“Arizona’s decision to join our lawsuit is an important step in challenging a federal plan that unfairly burdens the Lower Basin and fails to require the Upper Basin to make meaningful reductions. Nevada will not accept a framework that puts our water supply and the future of our communities at risk.

“I welcome Arizona’s partnership as we work toward a fair agreement that requires all seven Basin states to share responsibility for protecting the Colorado River. We remain committed to a negotiated solution, but I will not allow Nevada’s interests to be pushed aside. I will continue fighting to protect our water supply and ensure Nevadans get a fair deal.” – Governor Joe Lombardo

“Arizona’s decision to join Nevada’s legal challenge reflects a shared commitment to ensure decisions affecting the Colorado River are based on a transparent, scientific, and legally sound process. Like Nevada, Arizona recognizes significant flaws in the federal government’s Environmental Impact Statement and the National Environmental Policy Act process used to develop the framework for post-2026 Colorado River operations.

“SNWA remains committed to constructive dialogue and continues working cooperatively with California and Arizona to finalize a Lower Basin agreement to equitably reduce near-term demands on Lake Mead and protect the Colorado River system. Throughout this process, Nevada and the Lower Basin States have demonstrated that collaboration produces meaningful results, and we remain optimistic that the Colorado River Basin States can reach durable solutions that protect water users, support regional economies, and strengthen the resilience of the Colorado River for future generations.” – John Entsminger, Southern Nevada Water Authority General Manager

Related News Label

August 24, 2026

By Drew Galang

Nevada Files Lawsuit Against Department of the Interior over Colorado River Operations Record of Decision

Release text attributed to Nevada Governor’s Office. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.