The courts have slowed some rollbacks but many have moved ahead.
Water
Posted inArticles
How oceans impact Western reservoirs and rivers
New research on marine temperatures could help improve drought predictions.
Posted inSeptember 4, 2017: The Elwha, Unleashed
A return to the Snake River
Taking a trip down the undammed section of Hells Canyon.
Posted inSeptember 4, 2017: The Elwha, Unleashed
Down with the Glen Canyon Dam?
Activists claim that decommissioning the dam will save water and restore a wild canyon. Are they right?
Posted inSeptember 4, 2017: The Elwha, Unleashed
After its dams came down, a river is reborn
A look at the Elwha unleashed.
Posted inSeptember 4, 2017: The Elwha, Unleashed
Will Utah dam the Bear River?
The Wasatch Front faces drier times and a growing population, threatening the Great Salt Lake.
Posted inOctober 2, 2017: Following Ancient Footsteps
Money-for-water programs work — but for how long?
In the Colorado River Basin, a pilot project wins over skeptical farmers and ranchers.
Posted inAugust 21, 2017: Rooftop Revolution
U.S. House moves to streamline water projects
A controversial bill would weaken states’ control over water.
Posted inSeptember 4, 2017: The Elwha, Unleashed
How farmers can help keep salt out of the Colorado River
The solution to a basin-wide problem may fall to individual irrigators.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
A legal snarl in Idaho portends future conflicts over water
As the climate changes, dams face new challenges for water rights and releases.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
Latest: Duel over Owens Valley water intensifies
A county uses eminent domain to try to reclaim land taken by LA.
Posted inArticles
Court rules EPA must enforce Obama-era methane rule
The Trump administration’s rollback of environmental regulations has hit a roadblock.
Posted inArticles
Denver to get more water from the Colorado River
Colorado’s largest water supplier makes a big ask — and a bold promise — with demand for water.
Posted inJuly 24, 2017: Down the Dark Mountain
Why we should celebrate unlovely fish
An angler documents his pursuit of the uglier species.
Posted inJuly 24, 2017: Down the Dark Mountain
Welcome to the irrigator’s club
An encounter with the wild during the hours of a thankless job.
Posted inAugust 7, 2017: Los Promotores
Latest: Four pueblos win out in protracted water fight
A bitter battle between Native and non-Native water users ends in settlement.
Posted inArticles
There’s still time to comment on marine monument review
So why aren’t we hearing about it?
Posted inJuly 24, 2017: Down the Dark Mountain
Latest: Delta tunnels plan challenged in court
Agencies weigh in on threatened fish — and get smacked with their first lawsuit.
Posted inArticles
Why 1 million Californians lack safe drinking water
Rural, cash-strapped communities don’t have the means to treat contaminated water.
Posted inArticles
The California drought isn’t over, it just went underground
The race to dig deeper wells is a losing game for small rural communities.