Mountain West

Before the federal government shut down on Wednesday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey said it would team up with Mountain West states to study mine waste for critical minerals. Trump administration officials hope the effort will strengthen national security and support emerging technologies.

A new study finds the iconic whitebark pine, which spans several Mountain West states, could lose most of its habitat to climate change in the coming decades. Scientists say the loss could impact wildlife – and people.

For hundreds of years, Hispanic communities across the Southwest have relied on these networks of hand-dug irrigation ditches to water their crops and feed their families. Now, these ancient traditions are under pressure from a changing climate.

A new report shows tens of thousands of abandoned mines dot the U.S., including parts of the Mountain West. Experts say these sites pose pollution threats due to being in areas that are at high risk for flooding.

Climate change could be taking a toll on the smallest creatures in the Mountain West. A new study finds insect populations in one mountain valley have plunged by more than 70% in recent decades. Scientists say this trend could shake the food chain in alpine areas across the region.

A new approach to addressing water scarcity is underway — one that turns farmland into projects that benefit both people and the environment. Researchers say parched Mountain West states could learn from it.

A new report shows America’s water systems need more than a trillion dollars in upgrades in the coming decades. In the West, states are dealing with shrinking reservoirs, worsening drought, and a lack of data to plan for the future.

A new study led by the University of Michigan shows that large livestock farms are polluting the air across the U.S., including parts of the Mountain West. Researchers say these impacts are felt hardest by nearby communities, where people of color often live.

A new study shows climate change is causing the Earth’s supply of fresh water to quickly disappear. One of the world’s fastest-drying regions is the American Southwest, where future food supplies could be threatened.

A new report shows the Mountain West needs to prepare for data centers, which are expected to demand massive amounts of energy and water. Experts say communities should adopt policies that prevent energy bills from rising and water supplies from shrinking.