Mountain West

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.

A new report shows many states won’t have enough money to keep major roads and bridges in good repair over the next decade. Some states in the Mountain West are not immune to the problem, while others are ahead of the curve.

Public radio and television stations in rural areas may soon be contending with big cuts. President Trump is expected to sign a so-called “rescissions” measure from Congress that will take back $1.1 billion in funds previously allocated to support the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps fund NPR, PBS and member stations.

In recent weeks, destructive and deadly flash floods have hit several parts of the country, including the Mountain West. A New York Times analysis found the National Weather Service has vacant senior leadership positions at many offices overseeing areas vulnerable to flash floods.

President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” phases out tax credits for clean energy projects, slowing the addition of new power to the grid. Experts predict it could drive up energy costs, especially in parts of the Mountain West.

The Trump administration’s proposed budget bill would cut funding to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) by nearly 40%, including grants to universities. That could affect funding relied on by survey offices in several Mountain West states.

A new report shows the rate of spills from oil-and-gas drilling is dropping in some of the Mountain West’s top fossil fuel-producing states. But conservation groups warn these spills are still significant and can harm area waters, lands and wildlife.

Inspectors at Lake Tahoe recently discovered a new aquatic invasive species on a boat before it launched, sparking regional concerns. Officials say the incident serves as a reminder that people across the Mountain West should be on alert.

A new analysis shows that climate change is causing the number of extremely hot summer days to rise in most major U.S. cities. Some of the biggest increases are in the Mountain West.