Historic drought brings lean times for Sonora ranchers, farmers
Recent data shows most of Sonora’s 72 municipalities have some level of drought, which means there’s really nowhere for ranchers to take their animals to graze. Feeding them is “impossible, economically speaking,” one ranching representative said.
Arizona seeks surface water protections after Clean Water Act rollback
Arizona's rivers, lakes and streams have not been fully protected by the Clean Water Act since June 2020. A change to the law during former President Donald Trump's administration limited the number of federal protections. As a result, a new bill -- which is moving through the state legislature -- was created. Representatives from state organizations and state lawmakers weigh in on whether the new bill will meet the needs of Arizona's waterways.
California tries to tamp down Salton Sea dust after years of delays
California is spending more than $200 million to stabilize the banks of the Salton Sea, fed mostly by water from the Colorado River. It is good news for those who live nearby and are concerned about their health, but the restoration could also impact everyone else who draws water from the river.
Committee vote moves Haaland one step closer to historic Interior post
WASHINGTON - A Senate committee narrowly voted Thursday to advance Rep. Debra Haaland's nomination to be the next secretary of Interior, moving her one step closer to becoming the first Native American to head a Cabinet-level agency.
Officials grill water utility over response to earlier Luke AFB spill
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Corporation Commission grilled a West Valley water company Wednesday, asking why it did not respond more aggressively after chemical agents were discovered in water from its wells five years ago.
In rapidly warming and drying Colorado River Basin, the negotiating table is being set
For 40 million people in the U.S. and Mexico, the water supply of the Colorado River basin is in jeopardy.
Inhaled smoke could raise risks of COVID-19 for firefighters, expert warns
PHOENIX – Smoke inhalation can have a deadly effect on active firefighters. COVID-19 has been particularly difficult for those who are in the line of duty. Southwestern firefighters share their experiences with the illness, the safety procedures they follow at work and their vulnerability to deadly diseases.
Feds rescind OK for copper mine at Oak Flat, seek ‘thorough review’
WASHINGTON - The government Monday rescinded its approval for a proposed massive copper mine at Oak Flat, just days before it was to transfer thousands of acres of federal land for the project.
House OKs bill to ban mining on 1 million acres around Grand Canyon
WASHINGTON - The House voted Friday to permanently ban new mining claims on more than 1 million acres around Grand Canyon National Park, with supporters calling protection of the landmark canyon a "moral issue."
Pause on leasing public land for oil and gas extraction draws mixed reaction
PHOENIX – Land, and specifically what to do with land, has been among the most divisive topics in U.S. history since the arrival of European settlers in 1492. More than 500 years later, little has changed.
Critics grill Haaland; backers point to historic nature of nomination
WASHINGTON - Republican senators tried to pin down Rep. Deb Haaland at a hearing on her nomination for Interior secretary, pushing her on fossil fuels and job losses they said would come from President Joe Biden's proposed energy policies.
Investors now can bet on California’s water, helping agriculture withstand dry spells
Some California farmers are hopeful opened economic options will help balance high water prices during the summer, while extreme weather and droughts continue.
