Latest news with #BureauOfReclamation
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Officials unveil sweeping new plan to protect vital US river system: 'The [river] is essential to the American West'
The Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation have announced the extension of 18 important short-term agreements to conserve water levels in the Colorado River. The news comes amid great uncertainty over the river's long-term future. In the press release, Reclamation Acting Commissioner David Palumbo said that the bureau was "committed to securing the future viability of Colorado River water supplies in the near-term and we work with all of our basin partners on long-term actions." The Colorado River runs through seven states, organized into the Upper Basin of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Utah and the Lower Basin of California, Arizona, and Nevada. It's also an important water source for 30 tribal nations and Mexico. The latter was the subject of a 1944 bilateral agreement to share water sources between the two nations. In 2023, the Lower Basin states agreed on cuts aided by federal grants due to expire in 2026, per The New York Times. Forty million people rely on the Colorado River, which feeds Lake Mead and Lake Powell, and both are running critically low. As The Washington Post reported, the reservoirs were at 92% capacity in 1999, but persistent droughts and limited seasonal snowfall have dwindled levels to less than 25%. The low levels have been compounded by warming temperatures caused by pollution from dirty fuel sources. Extreme weather events are becoming more severe, and heat waves are causing the river to dry up. These developments have caused the Colorado River basin to lose 10 trillion gallons of water between 2001 and 2021, per the American Geophysical Union. The problem is compounded by the many stakeholders. Each state has its own priorities, and reaching a consensus is difficult. So extending the short-term measures is a welcome, albeit temporary, solution to a complicated problem. It goes to show that some of the most important actions in conservation occur locally and further underlines the importance of staying informed about the issues. The stakes could scarcely be higher, but the commitment of all involved is not in doubt. As Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Interior Scott Cameron said, "The Colorado River is essential to the American West, and Interior and Reclamation is dedicated to delivering life-sustaining water and harnessing the significant hydropower the river offers." How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
E&E News
6 days ago
- Business
- E&E News
Dems seek probe of Bureau of Reclamation staff losses
Democratic senators are pressing the Interior Department to determine whether significant staff losses at the Bureau of Reclamation could put water infrastructure at risk as well as derail the agency's ability to fulfill congressional mandates. In a Friday letter to Interior acting Inspector General Caryl Brzymialkiewicz, eight senators asked for a review of staff reductions at Reclamation, pointing to an estimated loss of up to 25 percent of the agency's staff under the Trump administration. 'We are concerned that the administration's actions to gut the agency of qualified public servants could leave critical water infrastructure and communities vulnerable to operational disruptions,' states the letter, led by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), ranking member on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Advertisement The letter cites reporting by POLITICO's E&E News that about 1,400 individuals have left Reclamation in recent months — including those in senior positions — as the result of deferred resignation programs, early retirement or voluntary separation payments.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Agency responsible for irrigation and flood control in Middle Rio Grande looks toward its next 100 years
May 24—The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District has been preventing floods, providing drainage and releasing irrigation waters for 100 years. Facing a future with increased urbanization, lighter snowpacks and heavier monsoons, MRGCD is focused on strategies to keep agricultural traditions alive. The Rio Grande's flows have been shaped by human intervention. With drains, canals and dams, entities like MRGCD, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Army Corps of Engineers have made the river's flow more predictable, reducing flood risk and ensuring the river could run without drying through Albuquerque for most of the year. The levee system has also reduced the width of the Rio Grande's flooding, creating a continuous cottonwood forest within the Rio Grande Valley State Park. "When the district was formed, one of their primary problems was flooding," said Jason Casuga, MRGCD chief executive officer. "We find ourselves now in a period of time of extreme drought, water scarcity." Approximately 84% of New Mexico is in some state of drought, with 38% of the state in extreme drought and almost 10% in the most drastic state of exceptional drought. Mountain snows act as a natural reservoir for water, feeding rivers as snow melts in spring and summer. Since the 1950s, snowpack has been decreasing in New Mexico, as well as in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming where the headwaters for the Rio Grande, San Juan, Colorado and Navajo rivers are located, according to a report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Snowpack and snowpack runoff are projected to decline substantially by 2070, while average temperatures in the state are expected to increase 5 to 7 degrees over the next 50 years, making the state more arid, according to a 2022 report from the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. In 1925, there were more than 70 acequia diversions off the Rio Grande from the area where Cochiti Dam was later built to the San Acacia Reach. MRGCD was created to replace that system, consolidating down to four diversions and focusing on equitably sharing water from north to south. It owns canals and levees across four counties, as well as land adjacent to the river, like Albuquerque's bosque. MRGCD is funded by tax dollars from people who own property within the district and benefit from it. It is run by an elected board and the next election will be in October. The board holds monthly meetings, and much like a city council or school board meeting, the public can attend and weigh in. For interagency decisions and debates on water management, which usually involve federal heavyweights like the Bureau of Reclamation or the Department of the Interior, being locally and democratically run sometimes makes MRGCD the government agency in the room with the most direct relationship to the people it serves. A new hydrological reality One of the wettest periods on record for New Mexico was the 1980s and 1990s. Water was spilling out of reservoirs like Elephant Butte, Casuga said. The Natural Resources Conservation Service recently published a revised 30-year average for snowpack conditions, and across the board the average is much lower than it was for the previous 30-year period, according to Anne Marken, MRGCD's river operations and telemetry manager. As temperatures rise, even in years when there is an average snowpack, less of that water ends up in the river. Higher temperatures also cause higher depletions within the river. The irrigation system in New Mexico is driven by snowmelt. In the spring, when snow melts in the mountains and rushes down the Rio Grande, there is typically more water in the river than Middle Rio Grande Valley farmers need. So MRGCD would hold some of that spring pulse at El Vado Dam or Abiquiu Lake. As the supply of water begins to dwindle, MRGCD would begin to release water to augment farmers' supply. "There are a lot of forecasts that show that we'll probably be getting a similar amount of precipitation in the year, but a lot of that will be shifting to monsoon events in the summer, and we have seen an uptick in some very high-intensity rain events in the summer," Marken said. "So we are also thinking proactively about, 'How can we shift our infrastructure to be prepared for that potential shift in how we receive precipitation?' Because the way we're currently set up is to capitalize on that snowmelt runoff, and in the future, the opportunities might be elsewhere." Long term, that change in weather patterns could call for new reservoirs in different locations and the ability to store water within channels, so if rain comes in after irrigation water has been released, the released water could be temporarily held in the channel, Marken said. Monsoons also deposit more sediment into the river than snowpack runoff, which is slower and less intense. So MRGCD will likely need to manage increased sediment in the Rio Grande, said Casey Ish, MRGCD's conservation program and special projects manager. Rio Grande Compact New Mexico has a water debt of 124,000 acre-feet through the Rio Grande Compact, a legal agreement that shapes water management along the river. Signed in 1938, the compact is an agreement between Colorado, New Mexico and Texas about how to share water, and it looms over MRGCD's day-to-day work. When New Mexico is 200,000 acre-feet in debt, the state has violated the agreement. Unlike some other water-sharing agreements in the West, the compact does not dictate a set amount of water has to be sent along the river each year. Instead, the states' have to deliver a percentage of the water in the river system to their downstream neighbor. The percentage is larger in wet years and smaller in dry years. "We try to characterize how much water the farmers need, and make sure we're not diverting more," Marken said. "While we're balancing what the farmers need, we're also looking at environmental species' needs, and also Rio Grande Compact compliance. So we're always balancing all these competing uses for this water." Endangered species like the silvery minnow and willow flycatcher are protected by the Endangered Species Act, at times mandating that water be used to boost their survival. This May, the decision of whether to store water or release it is an easy one, because legally at this moment, New Mexico can't store native Rio Grande water for non-Pueblo use, because New Mexico owes too much water to Texas to store any for itself. The pueblos have older water rights, giving them priority. New Mexico's current compact debt began in 2019. The following year, there was not much snowpack and not many monsoons, so the stored water New Mexico had was quickly gone, Marken said. But the state was holding a store of water for Texas — 30,000 acre-feet — to meet its compact obligations. Water managers in New Mexico asked Texas officials if that earmarked water could be used in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. Texas said yes, further growing the compact debt. In subsequent years, the debt has crept higher. This lack of storage ability creates uncertainty for irrigators about how much water will be available. Typically, the natural summer inflows are not enough to meet farmers' needs, making them reliant on monsoon events, Marken said. In the spring, farmers are trying to make planting decisions based on water availability in the summer, but when storage is unavailable, it makes predicting what to plant more challenging. To improve its operations, MRGCD is exploring a new way of operating, where it evaluates compact delivery on a month-to-month scale to ensure it's not falling behind on water delivery, Marken said, something Colorado already does. The rules around who gets what water from the Rio Grande could shift in the coming years. There is ongoing litigation around the Rio Grande Compact because of past compact violations by New Mexico. The states came to a settlement agreement, but the federal government objected, so settlement discussions are ongoing. Within the next 100 years, Casuga expects an Indian water rights settlement for the six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos, which would likely come with an adjudication of water in the Middle Rio Grande Valley, a legal determination of exactly how much water belongs to whom. "That'll change the dynamic in the middle valley, but it'll also bring surety to priority of water and what those priorities are in terms of how much there is, whose it is, and what the priority of that is, which I think is important," Casuga said. The pueblos' prior and paramount water rights were recognized by the U.S. government in the early 1900s. In 2022, the six pueblos started a legal process for the formal determination of water rights in the Middle Rio Grande. Urbanization As a new Interstate 25 interchange is being built near Tomé, and Los Lunas sees an influx of new residents and big investments from companies like Facebook, Valencia County is likely to become more urban. Bernalillo County is also likely to continue increasing density in its existing urban areas. To promote agriculture and green space within the valley, MRGCD's elected board has directed Casuga to protest if someone is trying to transfer water from within the valley to an area outside the district, said MRGCD Board Member Stephanie Russo Baca. When someone is trying to take water outside the district, it is generally related to municipal development and private residential development, said Technical Services Director Eric Zamora. If someone is adding a subdivision within a municipality, the municipality will typically require the developer to prove they have enough water rights for the subdivision. MRGCD will play a role in maintaining the agricultural character of Valencia County and be an advocate for Albuquerque's agriculture by supporting policies to protect green spaces, Casuga said. "Let's make good subdivision standard decisions on how dense we're going to make the places right along the river and in the green spaces," Casuga said. Cathy Cook covers the federal government for the Albuquerque Journal. Reach her via email at ccook@
Forbes
10-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Big Layoffs Are Hitting These Sectors The Hardest
Depressed businesswoman getting laid off from her job, talking to her colleagues while carrying her ... More belongings and leaving the job. Layoffs have surged across an array of industries. Some of the problems are caused by a volatile economic landscape. President Trump's initial tariff policy put a scare into both corporate executives and consumers. Additionally, technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, are changing the workplace. Corporate restructurings due to changing circumstances added to the trend of layoffs. With more than 221,812 jobs eliminated in the first months of the year, workers and companies alike are forced to confront an ever changing challenging environment. Layoffs in 2025 are reshaping the workforce. Government, tech, retail, accounting, manufacturing, and logistics have been dealing with the biggest cuts. Driven by tariffs, cost-cutting, AI adoption, and federal downsizing, these layoffs show a shift in the economy. For workers, they'll need to stay proactive with upskilling, networking, and building financial resilience to navigate this storm. The layoff wave has spared few industries. Some sectors have borne the brunt more than others. Approximately one-third of layoffs stem from the government sector or related industries. Driven by federal workforce reductions under the Trump administration, agencies like the National Park Service (1,500 layoffs), U.S. Geological Survey (1,000), and the Bureau of Reclamation (100–150) are implementing significant reductions in force (RIFs). Tech The tech sector has the dubious honor of leading in layoffs, per TechCrunch. Over 23,400 jobs were cut in April alone. Companies like CrowdStrike (500 layoffs), Meta, Microsoft, and Block are downsizing. By comparison, 2024 saw 150,000 tech job cuts across 549 firms. High-profile firms like Amazon, Google, and Tesla also contributed to the tally. According to 52,340 tech employees were laid off from around 123 tech companies. There were roughly 61,296 gov't employees laid off by Elon Musk's DOGE initiatives, and about 171,843 total federal departures in 2025. U.S. retailers eliminated over 64,000 jobs in the first four months of 2025. This made the retail sector the second-hardest-hit industry after technology and ahead of most other consumer-facing industries, reported by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Bankruptcies at Joann Fabrics (19,000 jobs), Party City (16,000), and Big Lots (1,000) account for significant losses, with other retailers cutting jobs to brace for economic pressures like tariffs. Big Four management consultancy PwC laid off 1,500 U.S. workers (2% of its workforce), following 1,800 cuts in 2024. Other similar firms such as KPMG, EY, and Deloitte have also announced layoffs, citing low attrition and pressure on profit margins. Companies like Volvo (125 layoffs at its Charleston plant), General Motors (1,695 at its Fairfax Assembly plant), and Mercedes-Benz have announced mass layoffs. These cuts are tied to production pauses and cost-cutting amid economic uncertainty. UPS plans to cut 20,000 jobs in 2025, citing global trade policy changes and tariffs that discourage shipping. Trucking and retail are also expected to face mass layoffs due to tariff-driven economic pressures. The Trump administration's tariffs are disrupting supply chains and raising costs, particularly in retail, logistics, and manufacturing. UPS explicitly cited 'changes in global trade policy' as a driver for its 20,000 job cuts. Economists warn that tariffs could trigger stagflation or a recession, further pressuring companies to downsize. Many companies are streamlining operations to boost efficiency or profitability. CrowdStrike's 5% workforce reduction aims to achieve a $10 billion annual recurring revenue target, while PwC's layoffs address low attrition and bottom-line pressures. Tech firms are cutting middle managers and embracing AI-driven or self-led teams. The rise of AI and automation is displacing jobs, particularly in tech and manufacturing. Retail giants like Joann Fabrics and Party City faced bankruptcies, leading to massive layoffs. Even surviving retailers like Big Lots are cutting jobs to stabilize finances. The Trump administration's push to shrink the federal government has led to mass firings and hiring freezes, with agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initially issuing but later revoking some layoff notices. This creates uncertainty for federal workers. What Should Workers Know About Layoffs Here's what you need to know and what to do. Monitor your sector for signs of instability. Retail and tech workers should be vigilant, given their high layoff rates. Federal employees need to track policy changes, as further RIFs are expected. Resources like and provide real-time data on announced layoffs. In tech, generic skills won't cut it. Identify niche skills your employer or competitors lack. This includes AI tools. If your company doesn't offer it, invest in training to keep current and ahead of the pack. For retail or manufacturing workers, cross-training in adjacent roles like logistics or e-commerce. Continuous learning is a non-negotiable, as you don't want to be left behind. Layoffs often come with little warning. Severance packages may be minimal or not offered. Put aside an emergency fund that can last at least around 6–12 months of living expenses in savings. Don't feel it's beneath you to take on a side hustle to bring home some much needed money. Start networking. Relationships can open doors to new opportunities. Engage with industry peers on platforms like LinkedIn, attend virtual or in-person events, and reconnect with former colleagues. A strong network can help you land a role before layoffs hit. Layoffs can feel personal, especially when companies like Meta label affected workers as 'low performers.' Don't let it bring you down. Seek advice and support from mentors or career coaches. Reframe a layoff as an opportunity to pivot to a more stable or fulfilling role. To be fair, it's easy said than done. Tariffs and trade wars are sometimes scapegoats for companies. They may use these trends to conduct firings, pivoting to AI-driven models. The tech sector's volatility, for instance, isn't solely about innovation. The tech sector misjudged the market and overhired during the pandemic boom. Now companies are paying for it by over-correcting to appease shareholders. Workers should be skeptical of corporate narratives. When companies cite 'low attrition' as a layoff rationale, it's often code for protecting profits over people. Similarly, the 'low performer' label at Meta looks like a tactic to deflect blame from poor strategic planning. The real risk for workers isn't just losing a job. It's being left behind in an economy increasingly prioritizing automation. On the flip side, this chaos presents opportunities. Sectors like healthcare and transportation are adding jobs, and remote work remains a viable path in tech. Workers who adapt by mastering high-demand skills, building personal brands, or exploring entrepreneurial ventures can thrive despite the uncertainty. The key is self-leadership. Keep your eyes open for opportunities. Don't wait for employers to dictate your future.
E&E News
08-05-2025
- Business
- E&E News
Reclamation strikes deal to conserve more Colorado River flows
The Interior Department announced that it will store an additional 321,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead — enough to raise the reservoir's water level by 5 feet — through 2026, extending existing conservation agreements with water users in Arizona and California. The agreements, which Interior said would build on 18 existing deals with tribal, municipal and agricultural water users, come amid negotiations over a long-term operating plan for the drought-stricken Colorado River. The program will cost more than $128 million, with payments of $400 per each acre-foot of water conserved, according to data provided by the Bureau of Reclamation. An acre-foot of water is equal to about 326,000 gallons, or enough water to support two to three families for a year. Advertisement Among the water users with the largest contributions are the San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona, which will forgo 70,000 acre-feet of water, and the city of Tucson, Arizona, which will give up 50,000 acre-feet in 2026. Previous agreements had the tribe striking a deal to save nearly 24,000 acre-feet of flows in 2023, and Tucson conserving 110,000 acre-feet of flows between 2023 and 2025.
