Desert farming, wasteful irrigation and the profoundly thirsty crop is bringing the critical river to the brink.
Colorado River
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The breakdown on the Colorado River ‘breakthrough’ water deal
The agreement isn’t the sustainable, permanent one that’s necessary.
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Atmospheric rivers ease Western drought
Record-breaking rain and snow bring salvation — and destruction — to a drought-parched West.
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Utah’s proposed crude oil railway could see an accident every year
Coloradans fight the oil train project, fearing a repeat of East Palestine’s toxic derailment — but in the Colorado River.
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Could Arizona’s new governor shift Colorado River politics?
There’s a historic reckoning in the Colorado River Basin — and Katie Hobbs is here to play hard ball.
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What happens when an affluent Arizona suburb’s main water supply is cut off?
As the Colorado River crisis worsens, an unregulated housing development faces a reckoning.
Posted inJanuary 1, 2023: Ripple Effects
La Niña expected to serve up a hat trick
The weather pattern hits the West for a third consecutive winter.
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How the West’s public lands fared in 2022
It was a bad year for dams and a good one for ‘green’ metals.
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Will the Senate ban uranium mining in the Grand Canyon?
Before the legislative slate is wiped clean on Jan. 3, senators needs to pass the Grand Canyon Protection Act.
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Federal, state and local agencies reach agreement to address Salton Sea crisis
The $250 million commitment will support public health and habitat while conserving Colorado River water.
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A true Colorado River Compact
Tribes were excluded from compact negotiations 100 years ago. What if they had shown up anyway?
Posted inDecember 1, 2022: Beyond Illusion
Tribal nations fight for influence on the Colorado River
Indigenous nations in the basin are making a stand for their water — and upsetting the river’s power structure.
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On its 100th birthday, the Colorado River Compact shows its age
The foundational document was flawed from the start.
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Interior’s plan won’t solve the Colorado River crisis. Here’s what will.
What if farmers competed with one another to cut water consumption?
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Can the Salton Sea be saved?
Climate change, megadrought and agricultural needs have transformed the ‘jewel in the Californian desert’ into a toxic place.
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The Colorado River’s alfalfa problem
Growing less hay is the only way to keep the river’s water system from collapsing
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Colorado River Basin tribes work to protect their water rights
Amid historic drought and federal calls for cuts, tribes along the river face difficult choices.
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The feds declined to seriously cut Colorado River water use. Here’s what that means
After Southwestern states failed to cut a deal, the Interior Department took it easy on them.
Posted inSeptember 1, 2022: Going Under
Can Arizona citizens use the tools of democracy to preserve the state’s dwindling water?
How a group of ‘scrappy’ locals are working to create Arizona’s first citizen-initiated groundwater management area.