Colorado River States Are Racing to Agree on Cuts Before Inauguration Day

California, Arizona and others, fearing a political shake-up of negotiating teams after the November election, are aiming to wrap up work this year. The states that rely on the Colorado River, which is shrinking because of climate change and overuse, are rushing to agree on a long-term deal to share the dwindling resource by the end of the year. They worry that a change in administrations after the election could set back talks.