Dwindling of Colorado River linked to climate change, energy production

Hard to imagine in a year when snowpack up until recently has been more than 200 percent of normal in the Colorado River Basin and its major tributaries on the state’s Western Slope, but the long-term prognosis for the river that provides water to more than 30 million people in the Desert Southwest is not good. A new interim report released this week by the federal government, Colorado and six other states along the river suggests that “by mid-century the average yield of the Colorado River could be reduced by 10-20 percent due to climate change.

Udall revives bill to ensure feds maintain Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel

U.S. Sen. Mark Udall has revived legislation compelling the federal government to maintain the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel that he calls “a potential safety hazard to the community” two miles above sea level in Lake County.

Water grab for proposed Green River nuclear power plant raises eyebrows

Conservation groups and at least one federal agency are raising serious questions about a water grab for a proposed nuclear power plant near Green River, Utah, according to the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service…