A race to secure Colorado River deal before Trump’s term begins

The Biden administration is pushing for a consensus among seven Western states to protect the Colorado River’s water supply before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, but negotiations face significant obstacles.

Ella Nilsen reports for CNN.

In short:

The Colorado River supplies drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectric power to tens of millions, but states remain divided over how to handle dwindling resources.
Biden officials proposed five alternatives for managing river water after 2026 to ensure sustainable levels and avoid a potential Supreme Court case.
Upper- and lower-basin states disagree on water cuts, and negotiators doubt consensus can be reached by January, as the negotiations will determine water quotas for decades to come.

Key quote:

“We continue to encourage all basin partners to find a consensus agreement that meets the needs of all the river’s users.”

— Ali Zaidi, the White House national climate adviser.

Why this matters:

The Colorado River is vital for water, food and energy across the West. With climate change and population growth intensifying the crisis, delays in securing an agreement could exacerbate water shortages, sparking legal battles and endangering millions’ livelihoods.

www.cnn.com

A race to secure Colorado River deal before Trump’s term begins

Noem’s spending limits have frozen millions in disaster aid, Democratic report charges

War with Iran: What the assault means for renewable energy

Europe will give priority to clean energy, high-level EU diplomat says

China could be on the cusp of a green aluminum boom

New lawsuit aims to halt expansion of a Montana coal mine blamed for drying up the land above it

‘It’s too warm': Greenland’s fishermen are under threat from climate change

Wyoming just wrapped up its warmest winter ever, surpassing Dust Bowl records

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.