Regional News
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U.S. Geological SurveyTen Utah youth are suing the state over its issuance of permits for fossil fuels, which they say violates their rights to life, safety, and health. All of the plaintiffs reside in counties that have received an "F" grade from the American Lung Association due to their poor air quality. It's the latest in a series of climate lawsuits happening around the country. -
Andrew Nixon/California Department of Water ResourcesNew research shows that mountain regions around the world are warming faster than the lowlands below them. Scientists say that could have big consequences for the Mountain West, where communities rely on snow and ice for their water supply. -
Mark Schiefelbein/AP/APA group of mostly Western U.S. Senators is demanding answers on why the U.S. Forest Service has fallen behind on efforts to reduce hazardous wildfire fuels. The 12 senators – all Democrats – are from Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and other wildfire-impacted states. -
Sadie P Photography/Adobe StockNew research shows that many rural roads in the Mountain West may be more vulnerable to flooding than people realize. That’s because the culverts and stream crossings underneath them aren’t built to handle today’s storms.
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In addition to a lack of snow, warmer temperatures have thwarted snowmaking. -
Canadians usually head south for the skiing, shopping and nightlife in American ski towns. But due to cross-border politics, tourism to the U.S. is down, and some resorts are worried. -
The older generation passes the torch to a new one as up-and-coming cowboys compete for a shot at a world title in the Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. -
The personhood designation for the riveris part of a broader "rights of nature" movement that aims to bestow new legal protections on threatened natural resources around the globe. -
Warmer temperatures in November meant that less snowpack accumulated. But storms did increase soil moisture in the Upper Colorado River Basin, making future precipitation more likely to run off slopesides and boost rivers and streams. -
The narrowed pool of waters receiving federal protection under the rule could be severe for critical wetlands and streams in the arid West, many of which are seasonal or fed by groundwater. -
Senators characterized the agency’s decision-making process as “rigid” and “slow,” and said they want states to have a bigger role. -
At a conference of western governors in Arizona last week, the region's energy future dominated the conversion as populations and the AI data center industry continue to grow and drive up demand. -
A new study in the Rocky Mountains has found a steep drop in the number of young American pikas — small, high-altitude mammals known for their distinctive squeaks and rock-pile homes. Researchers say the 50% decline could be an early sign of deeper ecological shifts as the climate warms. -
Wyoming ranchers are testing GPS collars to help manage the movement of their livestock.
