Monday Top of the Scroll: New push to shore up shrinking Colorado River could reduce water flow to California
With the nation’s two largest reservoirs continuing to decline, federal officials announced plans Friday to revise their current rules for dealing with Colorado River shortages and pursue a new agreement to achieve larger reductions in water use throughout the Southwest. The Biden administration announcement represents a renewed push to scale back water use along a river that has shrunk significantly in the face of a 23-year megadrought worsened by global warming. With water levels dropping at Lake Powell, the Interior Department said operators of Glen Canyon Dam may need to release less water, which would affect flows in the Grand Canyon and accelerate the decline of Lake Mead.
Related articles:
- Reuters: U.S. warns western states it may impose Colorado River water cuts
- Arizona Republic: Feds start the clock on a plan that could deepen cuts on drought-stricken Colorado River
- U.S. Department of the Interior: News release – Interior Department Initiates Significant Action to Protect Colorado River System
- KUNC – Greeley, Colo: Feds want the ability to cut back on Colorado River reservoir releases over the next two years
- CNN: Feds begin ‘expedited’ process to help save drought-stricken Colorado River
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: Feds eye revising Colorado River water rules
- E&E News: Interior threatens Colorado River cut