Mountain West (CO ID MT NV UT WY)

As Data Centers Flood Wyoming, Water Pollution Fouls Good Faith

"The contamination of a Cheyenne water system by a Meta data center underscores the worries residents have about more than two-dozen data centers that are and could be consuming Wyoming’s energy, water and landscape."

Source: WyoFile, 07/20/2026

Tribal Reps Say They Were Left Out Of Monument Reduction Decisions

"Two coalitions of Native American tribes emphasized Tuesday that they weren’t consulted before President Donald Trump downsized Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments by roughly 90%."

Source: Utah News Dispatch, 07/16/2026

Trump Admin Proposes To Hand States Control Over Grizzlies

"The Trump administration proposed Tuesday to hand over management of grizzly bears to Western states, a win for advocates of local control that did not change the underlying imperiled status of the bears."

Source: E&E News, 07/16/2026

Trump Slashes Size Of 2 National Monuments In Utah As GOPers Push Mines

"President Donald Trump on Monday sharply reduced the size of two national monuments in Utah, undoing protections established by former presidents on public lands that are sacred among many Native Americans. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in southern Utah have ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and scenic canyons, as well as coal and uranium deposits that state officials want made available for development."

Source: AP, 07/14/2026

US To Proceed With Contested Roundup Of 450 Mustangs In Eastern Sierra

"Federal officials will begin rounding up wild horses in the Eastern Sierra on July 8, citing trampled wetlands and highway hazards, with the animals to be offered for adoption. The helicopter-assisted operation is praised by some environmentalists but condemned by others, including local tribes and animal advocates."

Source: Los Angeles Times, 07/07/2026

Dam Removal Efforts Lead to a Stunning Comeback for Maine’s Alewives

"Along most of the Atlantic coast, alewives are struggling after decades of damming and overfishing. But in Maine, the fish is rebounding—and towns’ historic harvests are growing."

Source: Inside Climate News, 07/07/2026

New Gold Exploration Revives Old Fears for Montana’s Blackfoot River

"State regulators have approved exploratory drilling near the headwaters of the rugged flow that inspired “A River Runs Through It,” which is still recovering from a mining disaster more than 50 years ago."

Source: Inside Climate News, 07/07/2026

Tribes Join to Secure Rights to Colorado Water, but 4 States Stall Deal

"A deal to bring Colorado River water to Native American communities in northern Arizona, where a third of homes lack running water, is being blocked by neighboring states, caught up in a broader battle over how to divide the dwindling river."

Source: ProPublica/KJZZ, 06/30/2026

Releasing Cool Water Protects Fish In Grand Canyon - At Cost To Hydro

"As the Colorado River and its once massive reservoirs shrink from overuse and climate change, officials are faced with a decision that pits conservation against ratepayer costs for electricity."

Source: AP, 06/03/2026

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