On Tuesday, the Biden administration took a step toward being able to force water delivery cuts on states that rely on the drought-stricken Colorado River. But it declined to take a firm stance on whether California or Arizona should bear the brunt of potential water cuts. The crisis is a political minefield for the administration. The Interior Department is trying to turn up the pressure on the states in hopes of accelerating their negotiations and reaching a resolution themselves. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the details and politics behind the Interior Department's decision.

Annie Snider covers water issues for POLITICO Pro. 

Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. 

Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer.

Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio.

Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.

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