In the throes of a historic megadrought, three Southwestern states will make deep reductions in their water usage to preserve diminishing resources.

After the federal government declared a historic water shortage for Lake Mead this summer, California, Arizona, and Nevada have agreed to reduce the amount of water they procure from the Colorado River in an effort to save one million acre-feet from leaving the reservoir in the next two years. As reported by Jaweed Kaleem and Ian James, "Water agencies in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada agreed to find water savings from various sources and split the $200-million cost with the federal government."
As water levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the Colorado River's other major reservoir, continue to decline, experts say states may have to make even deeper cuts to adapt to a future with less water. "The new deal, called the 500+ Plan, nearly doubles the water reductions that the three states — which make up the lower basin of the river — negotiated in 2019 under what is called the drought contingency plan." The deal is a step toward correcting over-allocated water rights, but environmental groups say upriver states must also reduce their usage. Meanwhile, Utah is proposing a controversial new pipeline that would draw more water to that state.
Local tribes hold 20 percent of water rights and have contributed crucial efforts, yet have remained largely unrecognized in official negotiations. During this latest round of agreements, leaders from the Gila River Indian Community and the Colorado River Indian Tribes were present as signatories.
FULL STORY: California, Arizona and Nevada agree to take less water from ailing Colorado River

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie