As the Colorado River declines, some upstream look to use it before they lose it
With the nation beginning to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy like solar and wind power, oil and gas companies are beginning to plug their wells here. So local leaders are looking for the next economic development opportunity. And they may have found their solution—divert more Colorado River water with a new dam and reservoir that will generate more hydropower, irrigate more agriculture and store more water for emergencies. They’re not alone in that quest. Wyoming ranchers are pushing for a new dam to be used for irrigation. Colorado has some diversions already under construction, with more proposed across the state, to help fuel growth. Across the states of the Upper Basin of the Colorado River—Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico—new dams are rising and new reservoirs are filling …
Related articles:
- Greeley Tribune: Environmental groups renew legal challenge of massive Denver Water reservoir expansion
- 8 News – Las Vegas: Colorado River problems - Glen Canyon Dam, desalination and a city that could run dry
- Nevada Current: August rains clear drought in three-quarters of Nevada
- 8 News – Las Vegas: Here’s what 7 states say about solving the West’s water crisis
- Wyoming Public Radio: Wyoming’s new Colorado River advisory committee is looking for long term solutions
