The usually fire-prone Southwest has burned less than the Pacific Northwest, California and Alaska.
Drought
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Drought damages trees’ ability to store carbon
How long-term forest health is compromised years after dry-spells.
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Colorado’s water plan: an end to mega projects?
The latest draft of the plan sets strict guidelines for approving new diversions over the Rocky Mountains.
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Whitewater parks: an unlikely drought bailout
Expensive artificial wave features can ease dry times for river economies.
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Drought bill aims to build dams to alleviate water shortages
Despite the drought, agriculture in California is in better shape than you might think.
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How the California drought exacerbates water contamination
This rural community couldn’t drink the water, even if they had it.
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Hot times usher in early Northwest wildfire season
While Oregon and Washington broil, the Southwest and Southern Rockies enjoy a welcome reprieve of moisture
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Mapping drought’s impact on electricity generation
Natural gas, wind and solar fill some of the hydropower deficit in California.
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Lake Mead watch: As the Colorado dries up, will tourism?
What dropping water levels could mean for the region’s recreation economy.
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Dam bill for Green River revives industrialist dream
Boosters want Fontenelle Dam to divert more water in southwest Wyoming.
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Lake Mead watch: As levels fall, hydropower dips
Why Southwest utilities are starting to sweat.
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How the West will feel groundwater shortages
New research shows stressed water supplies, as demand increases.
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Lake Mead watch: six inches from the level that triggers cutbacks
If water curtailments go into effect, which states are most vulnerable, and why?
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Senate committee votes to block Obama’s clean water rule
Republicans say new rule would give the federal government too much authority over waterways and wetlands.
Posted inJune 8, 2015: Tree of Life
Can leasing irrigation water keep Colorado farms alive?
Farmers try to stop “buy and dry” by pooling water rights to supply growing cities.
Posted inJune 8, 2015: Tree of Life
Southwest rain, Endangered Species Act, school-to-prison pipeline and more.
Hcn.org news in brief.
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Senate considers legislation to help the West store and conserve water
Twelve Western states have declared drought emergencies.
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I have seen the future, and it looks like Mad Max
How a post-apocalyptic action movie can help us ward off ecological disaster.
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Weather dispatch from Wrangell, Alaska: Drought in the rainforest?
As Southwest states were pummeled with rain, Southeast Alaska dries out.
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More waterways likely protected under new EPA rule
The controversial Clean Water Act rule protects tributaries with any sign of water, no matter the flow.