Law of the Colorado River: The View from the Lower Basin

The conference is free to attend with registration and will be held in person only.

Understanding the complex web of laws, agreements, policies and contracts that govern the Colorado River — often referred to as the “Law of the River” — is essential to navigating the river’s future. 

As drought conditions persist and reservoir levels decline, the divide between Upper and Lower Basin legal perspectives continues to grow, shaping negotiations and influencing decision-making at every level.

Hosted by the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, this symposium brings together leading voices from the legal, academic, policy and historical communities to spark meaningful dialogue and insight. 

Attendees will explore pressing questions, including:

What does “compliance” with the Colorado River Compact truly mean — and how are the Upper Division States responding?

Could the Central Arizona Project face curtailment under “junior priority” rules, and how close are we to that reality?

What are the legal and national obligations under the U.S.–Mexico Treaty, and who bears the responsibility?

Through thought-provoking presentations and discussions, experts will analyze past responses to climate crises, examine current challenges, and share forward-looking strategies to foster greater understanding and collaboration. Join us for a day of in-depth exploration and practical insights on the future of one of the West’s most critical shared resources.

Agenda:

9 a.m. — Welcome

9:15–10 a.m. — Setting the Table: Where Are We in Colorado River Hydrology and Law of the River?
Mekha Pereira, Montgomery & Associates; Brittany Johnson, Somach Simmons & Dunn

10–10:45 a.m. — How a Climate Crisis Drove the Upper Basin Compact Negotiations and CRPSA
Scott Miltenberger, Ph.D., JRP Associates

10:45 a.m. — Coffee and networking break

11–11:45 a.m. — The Mexico Obligation: A Discourse
 Rhett Larson, Richard Morrison Professor of Water Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

Noon — Hosted lunch

1–1:30 p.m. — The Arizona “Junior Priority”: How Would That Work?
Stuart Somach, Somach Simmons & Dunn

1:30–2:30 p.m. — New Ideas to Solve Old Problems
Heather Tanana, University of Denver Sturm College of Law; Cora Tso, Kyl Center; Crystal Tully-Cordova, Ph.D., Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources

2:45–3:30 p.m. — CAP Agricultural Uses and Shortage
Paul Orme, Salmon, Lewis & Weldon; president, Family Farm Alliance

3:30–4:15 p.m. — The View from California
Jeff Kightlinger, Acequia Consulting

4:15-4:30 p.m. - Closing Remarks

Parking options are available in one of the nearby garages such as the University Center Garage, Taylor Street Garage, or at a metered space on the surrounding blocks. The Van Buren and Central Ave. and Van Buren and 1st Ave. light rail stops are also just a couple of blocks away.