… The Colorado River system rushes through turbines inside Glen Canyon Dam on Lake Powell, producing affordable, carbon-free hydropower. … Climate change and chronic water overuse continue to constrict the mighty river’s flows, though, jeopardizing the dam’s ability to produce hydroelectric power. The lack of water has also created a slew of environmental problems in the Grand Canyon’s ecosystem, which sprawls below Glen Canyon Dam — most notably for an ancient, threatened fish species, the humpback chub, which is hunted by invasive smallmouth bass. Under Biden last year, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation finalized a decision that allows the dam to periodically release surges of water that bypass the machinery that generates power. These flows cool the river below the dam, which curbs smallmouth bass reproduction. Utah Republicans and power providers say that decision has only further threatened the valuable energy source — and they hope to undo it.

Other endangered and threatened species news:

• E&E News by Politico: Feds say the Gila chub should lose its ESA protections