3 Western states agree to cut Colorado River use in breakthrough water pact

California, Arizona and Nevada announced an agreement on Monday to cut their use of the Colorado River by another 14% in exchange for $1.2 billion in federal grants. The landmark agreement, which lasts through 2026, would avert mandatory cuts set by the federal government to keep the crucial Colorado River basin from collapsing in the face of chronic overuse and a long drought exacerbated by climate change.

The 1,450-mile-long Colorado River provides drinking water to 40 million people in seven U.S. states, part of Mexico, and several Native American tribes. It also irrigates 5.5 million acres of productive farmland.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.