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Nature and Environment

Cracked earth in the Joshua Tree National Park, where the National Park Service says severe drought and warming temperatures will likely affect the populations and home ranges of many species.

White House announces group to address drought in the West

Apr 22, 2021 The interagency group will work with federal, state, local and tribal governments to tackle the water shortages.
Lake Mead, 2016.

US West prepares for possible 1st water shortage declaration

Apr 17, 2021 Projections say by late next year Lake Mead could drop to levels that could threaten the ability to generate electricity at Hoover Dam
Oak Flat, east of Superior, Arizona. A company proposes to build one of the world's largest underground copper mines at this location.

House subcommittee discusses bill trying to save Oak Flat

Apr 13, 2021 During the hearing, lawmakers and witnesses made their cases for or against the bill, discussing religious, environmental and economic issues.
A scene from the Oak Flat campground, a site sacred to Apache peoples and the epicenter of lawsuits trying to block the development of a large copper mine.

Arizonans attend board meeting of international company proposing copper mine at Oak Flat

Apr 12, 2021 Leaders in the effort to oppose the mining project ask shareholders to abandon the project and leave Arizona.
The Bighorn Fire burns in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness near Oro Valley on Saturday, June 6, 2020. The fire was caused by lightning on the evening of June 5, 2020.

How drought and constant fire are impacting Arizona

Apr 9, 2021 Conditions in the Southwest are getting drier, but there is some possibility for hope later this year.
Central Arizona Project water flows in a canal near Marana.

Tucson considers higher water rates for non-residents

Apr 6, 2021 Hearing set for June
Elise Osenga maintains one of Aspen Global Change Institute's 10 soil moisture monitors. Researchers use data from stations like this one to figure out how much snowmelt and precipitation will reach rivers and streams.

When water is scarce, some researchers go underground to find out why

Apr 6, 2021 The amount of moisture held in the ground can play a big role in how much water makes it down to rivers and reservoirs.
The sun shines harshly behind a saguaro cactus.

Low saguaro reproduction numbers at national park in Tucson

Apr 4, 2021 Drought cycle that dates to the mid-1990s thought to be responsible
Havasupai Tribal Council Member Carletta Tilousi tapped to join the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council in 2021.

Havasupai tribal council member named White House environmental justice advisor

Apr 2, 2021 Carletta Tilousi is representing all of Arizona within a council focused on challenging environmental injustices.
Traffic in Phoenix with the city's downtown skyline in the distance.

New coalition pushes for Arizona to shift to clean energy by 2050

Apr 1, 2021 Dozens of businesses, cities and organizations have joined the effort to reduce carbon emissions.
The Colorado River weaves through the Sonoran desert near Yuma, Arizona.

Colorado River tribes aim to establish ‘one unified voice’ in policy talks

Apr 1, 2021 Those reliant on the river’s flows for agricultural, municipal and industrial use are gearing up for years of negotiation over future policies.
Grape vines at a vineyard in Willcox, Arizona, 2018.

No movement on groundwater protection bills

Mar 30, 2021 This year's efforts to bring more regulation to Arizona's groundwater use have failed in the state legislature.
Wild horses near Heber-Overgaard, Arizona in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

Forest Service opens public comment for horse removal plan

Mar 28, 2021 The Agency has given an eastern Arizona community near Heber until late April to weigh in
The city is reducing curbside recycling pickup in an effort to save money and adapt to global shifts in the industry.

Tucson checking contents of recycling bins

Mar 23, 2021 Contaminated materials in the recycling stream are costing the city $30,000 a month
Visitors take in Colorado River views at Horseshoe Bend outside Page, Arizona.

A Colorado River showdown is looming. Let the posturing begin

Mar 23, 2021 The states that draw water from it are about to undertake a new round of negotiations over the river’s future.
A changing climate is prolonging and intensifying heat waves, scientists say, driving wildfires.

Arizona officials warn of bad 2021 wildfire season

Mar 22, 2021 This year's wildfire season has the potential to be devastating due to widespread drought

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