Boiling Point Episode Summary: "The Future of the Colorado River"

Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: Sammy Roth, LA Times Studios

Introduction to J.B. Hamby and the Imperial Irrigation District

The episode opens with Sammy Roth introducing J.B. Hamby, a 24-year-old board member of the Imperial Irrigation District (IID). Hamby, a native of the Imperial Valley in southeastern California, has swiftly risen in Western water politics. Since his election to the IID board in 2020, Hamby was appointed to the Colorado River Board of California and became its chair in 2023, positioning him as a key negotiator in the ongoing interstate Colorado River discussions.

“...Hamby has had a pretty meteoric rise in Western water politics.” [00:01]

The Role of the Imperial Irrigation District

Sammy Roth delves into the significance of the IID, explaining its historical entitlement to more Colorado River water than the rest of California combined—3.1 million acre-feet, accounting for nearly a fifth of the river's allocation.

“I'm glad to see you here. In practice, this is where the Imperial Valley is going to play such an important role.” [12:32]

Current Challenges: Mega Drought and Climate Change

The Colorado River is currently enduring a 25-year mega drought, exacerbated by climate change. This scarcity has intensified the urgency for major water users, like the Imperial Valley, to reduce consumption. Hamby emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts across all basin states to manage dwindling water resources effectively.

“We have a declining resource that is the Colorado River. We need to manage it carefully and conservatively.” [20:36]

Solar Farms vs. Agricultural Lands

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the recent decision by the IID board to halt the expansion of solar projects on irrigated agricultural land within the Imperial Valley. Hamby articulates the district's commitment to preserving its highly productive farmland, which supports half a million acres of agriculture in the Sonoran Desert.

“...imperial Valley is very productive and we want to protect that agricultural land.” [07:03]

Despite the abundant sunlight, Hamby argues that solar development should occur on undeveloped desert lands with minimal ecological impact rather than on valuable agricultural areas.

“There’s ample opportunity in many hundreds of thousands of acres... that wouldn’t pose a challenge to the existing economy.” [09:17]

Imperial Valley: A Unique Agricultural Powerhouse

Sammy Roth seeks to contextualize the Imperial Valley's role within California's agricultural landscape. Hamby highlights its status as the sixth highest producing agricultural county in the U.S., situated entirely below sea level in a desert—a testament to the transformative power of Colorado River irrigation.

“The Imperial Valley is entirely below sea level... creating some of the most productive agricultural lands in the country.” [10:20]

The Colorado River Compact and Its Shortcomings

The discussion transitions to the 1922 Colorado River Compact, which allocated water between the upper basin states (Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico) and the lower basin states (California, Arizona, Nevada) along with Mexico. Hamby explains that the Compact was based on overestimated water availability during a wetter period, leading to today's water scarcity.

“What we’re dealing with now is the expiration of some interim rules... meant to last us for 20 years.” [16:34]

Negotiations and Potential Solutions

Hamby outlines the current negotiation efforts aimed at establishing a sustainable framework by basing water allocations on the annual average natural flow of the river. This approach seeks to ensure fair distribution while encouraging conservation across all basin states.

“...let's base our operations off of on an annual basis... let that water out of Lake Powell through Glen Canyon Dam.” [24:41]

Sammy raises concerns about the practicality of determining the exact percentage of water to be allocated, referencing John Flack's skepticism about the feasibility of upper basin states meeting their delivery obligations without further legal disputes.

“The real challenge is this... everybody's going to have to participate in reducing demands.” [29:31]

Imperial Valley's Conservation Efforts

Addressing suggestions to repurpose agricultural land for solar, Hamby counters by highlighting the Imperial Irrigation District's deficit irrigation program. This voluntary initiative allows farmers to reduce water usage temporarily, contributing significantly to water conservation without permanently sacrificing agricultural productivity.

“...programs like the deficit irrigation program... generating a good chunk of conserved water.” [21:20]

Future Outlook for the Imperial Valley

Looking ahead, Hamby envisions continuous adaptation within the Imperial Valley to maintain its agricultural and energy production amid evolving environmental challenges. He underscores the necessity of balancing multiple competing interests—water conservation, agricultural productivity, and renewable energy development—to ensure the valley's sustainability.

“Since the beginning of the Valley 125 years ago next year, the valley, the only thing that's been consistent is change.” [35:32]

Conclusion

Sammy Roth wraps up the conversation by highlighting the interconnectedness of water use, land management, and renewable energy in the context of climate change. The episode underscores the critical role of collaborative, basin-wide solutions in addressing the Colorado River's future amidst persistent drought and shifting environmental conditions.

“...imperial Valley will continue to exist and be a strong producer of food and energy for our region, our state and the country.” [35:32]

Notable Quotes:

• “We have a declining resource that is the Colorado River. We need to manage it carefully and conservatively.” — J.B. Hamby [20:36]
• “The only thing that's been consistent is change.” — J.B. Hamby [35:32]
• “...let's base our operations off of on an annual basis... let that water out of Lake Powell through Glen Canyon Dam.” — J.B. Hamby [24:41]

Key Topics Covered:

• The significance of the Imperial Irrigation District and its role in Colorado River management.
• The impact of the 25-year mega drought and climate change on water availability.
• The debate over expanding solar farms versus preserving agricultural land in the Imperial Valley.
• An overview of the 1922 Colorado River Compact and its present-day challenges.
• Current negotiation strategies aimed at sustainable water distribution.
• Imperial Valley's innovative conservation programs and future outlook.

This comprehensive discussion provides valuable insights into the complexities of water management in the American West, highlighting the delicate balance between agricultural needs, renewable energy development, and environmental sustainability.