Wednesday Top of the Scroll: How California averted painful water cuts and made a Colorado River deal
For months, California officials led by Gov. Gavin Newsom felt like they were at the bottom of a multistate dogpile in the closely-watched staredown over water rights across the American West. … That all changed in a dramatic way on Monday, when California went from the main villain over dwindling Colorado River supplies to something of a surprise beneficiary. The joint plan presented alongside Arizona and Nevada and roundly viewed as a victory by California officials — as well as environmentalists and business leaders alike. … It’s a remarkable turnaround when many were expecting only the Biden administration — and then, likely, the courts — to be able to break the stalemate and enforce a lasting solution.
Related articles:
- Los Angeles Times: Colorado River deal offers reprieve, but long-term water crisis remains
- High Country News: The breakdown on the Colorado River ‘breakthrough’ water deal
- KJZZ – Salt Lake City: Group says Lake Powell can and should be saved even with long-term drying trends
- Colorado Public Radio: Ideas to save the Colorado River
- Mercury News – Editorial: Temporary Colorado River deal isn’t cause for celebration