California growers and others in the river’s Lower Basin want the federal government to consider draining Lake Powell to conserve more water downstream.
Two major California growers are calling on the Bureau of Reclamation to consider a proposal to remove Glen Canyon Dam, draining Lake Powell and allowing the Colorado River’s water to only accumulate in Lake Mead, farther downstream.
As Ian James explains in the Los Angeles Times, the one-dam proposal was once the purview of environmentalists. Now, some farmers believe removing the dam could help preserve the river’s dwindling resources and prevent the water from being used up by hydropower operations upstream of their agricultural operations in California’s Imperial Valley. “California uses more Colorado River water than any other state. And in the Imperial Valley, the Imperial Irrigation District delivers the single largest share of the river’s water to farmlands that produce crops including hay and vegetables.”
The Colorado River’s shrinking water supply has been a major challenge for the western states that rely on it. Farther upstream, Upper Basin officials—including in Utah, where the state plans to build a new pipeline from Lake Powell—want to see more reductions in usage in the Lower Basin states. See the source article for more details on the dam’s condition and proposals being weighed by federal officials.
FULL STORY: As Colorado River shrinks, California farmers urge ‘one-dam solution’
Colorado River Water Crisis Deepens
The states that rely on the Colorado’s water must make drastic cuts in water usage to maintain use of the West’s most important—and most threatened—water source.
New Drought Contingencies Triggered for Upper Colorado River States
The latest Bureau of Reclamation report on water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead trigger new drought contingencies in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
States Agree to Drastic Water Cuts From Colorado River
In the throes of a historic megadrought, three Southwestern states will make deep reductions in their water usage to preserve diminishing resources.
Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.
Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?
Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.
Santa Cruz Transit Looks to Expand
A small transit agency in Northern California is making ambitious expansion plans.
Advancing Park Equity Through Needs Assessments
City Parks Alliance, in partnership with Prevention Institute, recently hosted a webinar about park equity and collaboration, focusing on the Los Angeles Countywide Parks Needs Assessment.
California Impact Fees Reach Supreme Court
An upcoming ruling could have a major impact on building and development in California and around the country.
Alta Planning + Design
Alta Planning + Design
City of Kyle
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
City of Helena
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
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.
