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Infrastructure & the West

The Winners, the Losers, and the Landscape That Might Emerge If the Klamath River Dams Disappear

Taking down four dams in Oregon and California would be a coup for advocates of dam removal. It could also mark the moment when their movement rediscovers a more realistic goal: bringing restoration into balance with human needs.Continue readingThe Winners, the Losers, and the Landscape That Might Emerge If the Klamath River Dams Disappear

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Pollution & the West

Concern Over the “Forever Chemical” PFAS Is High, But Remedies Remain Remote

Once prized as a key ingredient in fire retardant foam, non-stick pans and many everyday items, a synthetic chemical’s appearance in public water supply wells raises questions of how to protect the public from unknown health hazards.Continue readingConcern Over the “Forever Chemical” PFAS Is High, But Remedies Remain Remote

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Agriculture & the West Water & the West

Small Farmers Wait for California’s Groundwater Hammer to Fall

Farmers, large and small, are beginning to grapple with what the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act means for them. Many expect to see cutbacks on pumping once the program is fully implemented in 2040.Continue readingSmall Farmers Wait for California’s Groundwater Hammer to Fall

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Agriculture & the West

A ‘Climate of Fear’ Accelerates Existing Labor Shortages on California’s Farms

As field hands rethink traveling to the U.S., some farmers have been forced to watch their produce rot in the fields. Many others are cutting back acreage.Continue readingA ‘Climate of Fear’ Accelerates Existing Labor Shortages on California’s Farms

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Economic Development & the West Energy & the West

As Plant Faces Closure, New Mexico City Weights Bet on Clean Coal Technology

With the state committed to decarbonizing its electricity supply by 2045, Farmington’s coal-fired power plant and mine are set to shut down. Faced with the loss of their largest employer, city leaders are considering whether to get behind an uncertain carbon-capture technology, or turn to renewables and the tourist economy. Continue readingAs Plant Faces Closure, New Mexico City Weights Bet on Clean Coal Technology

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Pollution & the West

When Sustenance Becomes a Pollutant: California Aims to Steer Wasted Food from Landfills

Forty percent of food produced for consumption never gets eaten, instead filling landfills and releasing greenhouse gases. With a recent law, California aims to drastically reduce the amount of food that ends up in the ground. Continue readingWhen Sustenance Becomes a Pollutant: California Aims to Steer Wasted Food from Landfills

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Coastlines & the West

A City Rose on the Marshes. Will the Bay Take it Back?

One of the newest communities on San Francisco Bay is preparing for the water around it to rise as the world warms. But what preparation is enough? And for whom?Continue readingA City Rose on the Marshes. Will the Bay Take it Back?

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Agriculture & the West

Bees for Hire: California Almonds Become Migratory Colonies’ Biggest Task

The growth of almond orchards has made the Central Valley the new center of gravity for migratory beekeeping. With this shift has come new concerns over the health and safety of bee colonies, both on the road, and while they forage in California’s crops.Continue readingBees for Hire: California Almonds Become Migratory Colonies’ Biggest Task

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Agriculture & the West

Under New Pollution Regulations, Milk Producers Seek Profit in Dairy Air

A new law calls for reducing methane emissions by 40 percent from its 2013 levels by 2030, but comes with government outreach, economic incentives, and grant programs to help remake a more sustainable dairy industry.Continue readingUnder New Pollution Regulations, Milk Producers Seek Profit in Dairy Air

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Public Lands & the West

The Short Life of The BLM’s Master Leasing Plans

Master Leasing Plans were intended to manage resource conflicts on public lands that border national parks and monuments, contain popular hunting and fishing grounds, or shelter cultural artifacts. The Trump administration has moved quickly to set the program aside, freezing progress on proposed plans and restarting leasing in contested areas.Continue readingThe Short Life of The BLM’s Master Leasing Plans