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National Post
4 days ago
- Climate
- National Post
AEM Report: Western U.S. Drought Nearly Triples in One Year, Threatening Critical Resources and Infrastructure
Article content 2025 Summer Weather Outlook Highlights Urgent Need for Action Amid Escalating Water Scarcity, Agricultural Challenges, and Infrastructure Risks Article content GERMANTOWN, Md. — The Western United States faces a rapidly worsening drought crisis, with affected areas nearly tripling compared to last year, according to AEM's 2025 Summer Weather Outlook, which was released today. This significant drought expansion raises serious concerns about water availability, agricultural productivity, wildfire threats, and infrastructure stability across the region. Article content The report shows Lake Mead and Lake Powell, crucial reservoirs providing water for millions, have reached alarmingly low levels, holding just one-third of their usual capacity. This shortage poses significant challenges to agriculture, urban water supplies, and industries reliant on consistent water availability. In Nebraska, drought conditions have notably impacted agriculture, severely affecting more than half of the state's corn acreage. Article content The severe drought conditions are further intensifying wildfire risks, particularly around the July 4th holiday, historically associated with increased wildfire activity. The Outlook indicates that areas such as California, the Great Basin, and the northern Rockies are projected to face above-normal fire potential throughout the summer months, further straining firefighting resources and endangering communities. Canada is also facing extreme fire danger across western provinces, with burned acreage already triple the seasonal average. Article content 'This summer will bring a dangerous combination of heat, dryness, and fuel buildup that elevates wildfire risks across North America,' said James Aman, Senior Meteorologist at AEM. 'We're already seeing an above-average number of wildfires in the U.S., with similar trends north of the border.' Article content Additionally, hotter-than-normal temperatures are expected across the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and the Upper Midwest, exacerbating drought conditions and placing significant stress on regional electric grids. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) specifically faces heightened vulnerability due to anticipated peak summer air-conditioning demands, highlighting the critical need for adaptive energy management and infrastructure resilience. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contact: Article content Article content Neal Stein Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why off-roading access matters to these Utah senators
The U.S. Senate Thursday passed a resolution introduced by Urah Sens. John Curtis and Mike Lee to overturn a Biden administration rule enacted by the National Park Service restricting the use of off-road vehicles and all-terrain vehicles in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The resolution, passed by a simple majority vote, aims to restore access to approximately 24 miles of park roads in the area of Glen Canyon known as the Orange Cliffs Special Management Unit. Companion legislation introduced by Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, cleared the U.S. House of Representatives last week. 'Restoring off-road vehicles in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a step to ensure that public lands remain accessible for the people, not dictated by Washington bureaucrats,' Curtis said. 'Utahns have responsibly accessed Glen Canyon for decades, and Washington's one-size-fits-all restrictions threatened not only that access but also the livelihoods and traditions of rural communities. This legislation restores the balance between conservation and responsible recreation — something Utahns have always led on," he added. The Biden-era rule, which went into effect on Feb. 12, restricted ORV and ATV use that included an eight-mile segment of the Poison Spring Loop. The GOP senators from Utah said the area has traditionally been open to the public featuring long-accessed routes near Lake Powell. 'This was a classic case of sue-and-settle policymaking where bureaucrats caved to activists and cut Americans out of the process,' Lee said. 'That's not how representation is supposed to work.' He added if it says national recreation area on a map, people should be able recreate there. 'It's deeply disappointing to see Congress pass a bill that undermines the National Park Service's ability to protect one of the most remote places in the country,' said Erika Pollard, campaign director for the Southwest Region for the National Parks Conservation Association. 'The Orange Cliffs is a place of rare solitude and unbelievable beauty that creates the once-in-a-lifetime moments so many come to Glen Canyon to experience. That's why the park service limited off-road vehicles along some of the most sensitive areas and fragile shorelines. With more than 250 miles already available for off-road vehicle use, removing protections is as unnecessary as will be damaging.' The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance said the efforts undermine the solitude people come to expect in the area. '(The) action means that Orange Cliffs, Gunsight Butte, and Canyonlands National Park's Maze District will be impaired by noisy, destructive off-highway vehicles,' said Hanna Larsen, staff attorney for the organization. 'It's a dark day for all who love southern Utah and Glen Canyon's wild places.''
