Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Volume 25, Issue 01 | October 28, 2024

Policy Position: Indigenous Inclusion in Water Resource Governance and Legislation of the Upper Colorado River Basin

Allyson Frantz1, Cara Steinberg1, Jolijn Battaglia1
  1. University of Pittsburgh, Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, Department of Geology and Environmental Science, Pittsburgh, PA
​​
​Corresponding author: [email protected]​​
Keywords: Water policy; Water rights; Indigenous governance; drought management
https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG250108

Executive Summary

Indigenous tribes and governments within the Upper Colorado River Basin have been left to battle failing infrastructure, underrepresentation, outdated legislation, inadequate water allocations, and ongoing disenfranchisement that has limited equitable access to water.  On a wider scale, the current state of Western legislation is not inclusive of Indigenous parties. These factors are compounded by a 23-year long drought in the western United States that has placed drought management and climate change at the forefront of critical need for policy makers and state governments. This article highlights some of the current challenges relevant to inclusive Indigenous governance, with the specific context of drought and water resource management. The authors offer recommendations to the Bureau of Reclamation and state governments of the Upper CRB for more encompassing policy practices in Western water law that provide for a just inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and tribal sovereignty within the larger discourse of basin-wide droughts and water scarcity.

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Background header image courtesy of aptnnews
Allyson Frantz (she/her) is a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and a Certificate in Sustainability in April 2024. Allyson has demonstrated experience in climate change mitigation and adaptation research, and is passionate about leveraging community engagement to infuse resiliency into societies and ecosystems. She aspires to implement, and advocate for, environmental justice frameworks in climate policy. Post graduation, Allyson hopes to expand her educational and professional careers in sustainable development and climate justice.

Cara Steinberg (she/her) is an undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh. She is receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies in December 2024. Cara is passionate about the application of technical tools like GIS to address real-world problems and support frontline communities—especially regarding sustainability and environmental justice. Cara is driven by the positive impact she is capable of having on the world and the people in it. Her capacity to make meaningful change sustains her continuous advocacy and passion for environmentalism and equity.

Jolijn Battaglia (she/her) is a Navy Veteran and a current undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh. She is completing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with an expected graduation in December 2024. She is currently an intern with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Water Program. She has aspirations to begin graduate school in either Environmental Toxicology or Environmental Policy. Jolijn has an interest in pursuing a career in governmental regulation for clean water. She hopes to use her knowledge and determination to contrive change to ensure clean water resources for both the public and the environment.

Disclaimer: Authors’ views do not necessarily reflect those of their respective departments or institutions. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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