Western river compacts were innovative in the 1920s but couldn't foresee today's water challenges

Agreements negotiated a century ago to share water on Western rivers among states are showing their age in a time of water scarcity.

Patricia J. Rettig, Head Archivist, Water Resources Archive, Colorado State University • conversation
May 4, 2022 • ~10 min

As Colorado River Basin states confront water shortages, it's time to focus on reducing demand

A long-expected federal drought declaration underlines how serious the Colorado River water shortage has become for Western states.

Robert Glennon, Regents Professor and Morris K. Udall Professor of Law & Public Policy, University of Arizona • conversation
Aug. 16, 2021 • ~10 min

Interstate water wars are heating up along with the climate

The Supreme Court recently dealt defeat to Florida in its 20-year legal battle with Georgia over river water. Other interstate water contests loom, but there are no sure winners in these lawsuits.

Robert Glennon, Regents Professor and Morris K. Udall Professor of Law & Public Policy, University of Arizona • conversation
April 19, 2021 • ~8 min

It's time for states that grew rich from oil, gas and coal to figure out what's next

The pandemic recession has reduced US energy demand, roiling budgets in states that are major fossil fuel producers. But politics and culture can impede efforts to look beyond oil, gas and coal.

Morgan Bazilian, Professor of Public Policy and Director, Payne Institute, Colorado School of Mines • conversation
Sept. 23, 2020 • ~10 min

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