Feds demand unprecedented cuts to Colorado River water use
By Olivia Emmer, Sopris Sun correspondent Sopris Sun correspondent Olivia Emmer interviewed KUNC’s Water and Environment Reporter covering the Colorado River Basin, Alex Hager, about the Bureau of Reclamation’s recent demand to users of Colorado River water. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Would you briefly summarize the recent edict from the federal government to users of the Colorado River ? The federal government said we need to conserve 2 to 4 million acre feet (maf ), which is a ton of water. For context, the state of Colorado uses just north of 2 maf each year. The seven states that make up the Colorado River Basin — Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming — have a 60-day timeline to put together a plan to conserve that much water. Is there a precedent for this type of demand? There is certainly precedent for this type of demand, but it is unprecedented in quantity.
As drought and demand diminish Lake Powell, the water level is in danger of dropping below the penstocks in Glen Canyon Dam that send water into the power plant. The Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the dam, fears not only loss of hydropower, but damage to the turbines and other infrastructure. April 14, 2022 photo courtesy of Ecoflight, a Colorado-based nonprofit that educates for thoughtful resource management using overflights in small aircraft
Does the Bureau of Reclamation have the authority to decide how water is conserved if the states can’t come up with a plan by the end of the summer? It’s disputed. Some of the states believe that their water rights are legally protected and the federal government will not be able to follow through on that threat. There are other people who think that it is viable and likely that the federal government will be able to come in and do that. This demand will test both the states’ ability to collaborate and the federal government’s authority.
ops o H e v i r D e l Dribb LL ACADEMY BASKETBA
Powered by
THE ROARING FORK HIGH SCHOOL TRIPLE-THREAT BASKETBALL WORKSHOP Roaring Fork! Here comes Dribble-Drive Hoops!
THE WORKSHOP WILL ENTAIL: SHOOTING BALL HANDLING PASSING CUTTING SCREENING OFFENSIVE MOVEMENTS COMPETITIVE PLAY 3 ON 3 GAMES PRIZES FROM NEW BALANCE Coach Washington is a former overseas professional player and has coached at all levels. Washington has worked with players throughout the country and is one of the nation’s leading trainers. DDH is excited to be in Carbondale and will bring an innovative, informative and intense clinic atmosphere!
For more information contact Coach Washington at 918-986-2255 or 405-492-5957
HBW
DRIBBLE-DRIVE HOOPS “STRIVE FOR GREATNESS” #EVERYDAYALLDAY
Dates:
JULY 11-14, 2022 Monday-Thursday
Times/Ages: (Grade to enter in fall 2022)
9-11am: 2ND-4TH GRADE, Boys & Girls 12-2 pm: 5TH-8TH GRADE, Boys & Girls 6-8:30 pm: 9TH-12TH GRADE, Boys & Girls
Location:
Roaring Fork High School 2270 CO- 133 Carbondale, CO 81623
Price: $200 per player
EARLY BIRD DD SPECIAL
Players who register before May 1 will receive a $50 discount! ($150 per player)
Payments can be made by online options:
E PRO ASY CESS
!! Venmo: Keven-Washington-44 Cash App: $3pointshooter Pay Pal: kwbasketballacademy@gmail.com Cash or Check: If paying by check - make payable to: Kevin Washington P.O. Box 4450 Aspen, CO 81612
Carbondale’s Creative Stroll Main Street in the heart of Carbonda District and enjoy a wide range of local arts, galleries, shopping, award-winning restaurants & spirits, face painting, and the 22nd Annual Mt. Sopris Music Fest (4th Street Plaza stage) which kicks off at 5:30pm. Lineup includes: Jim Hawkins Dan Sheridan Wes & Jay Engstrom Mateo Sandate and Sweet Root Matt Johnson Band Red Hill Rollers NO ALCOHOL WWW.CARBONDALE.COM/FIRST-FRIDAY PC: Renee Ramge Photography
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • June 30 - June 6, 2022
