Hageman Warns California Water Failures Threaten U.S. Food Supply for 40 Million Colorado River Users
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 25
Hageman Warns California Water Failures Threaten U.S. Food Supply for 40 Million Colorado River Users
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 25
Summary
Rep. Harriet Hageman said California’s aging water system and policy choices are straining the Colorado River, warning the fallout could damage U.S. food production as irrigation water shifts away from agriculture.
California’s rising demand, she argued, is forcing upstream states to curb their own use, while environmental opposition to dams and desalination has blocked infrastructure she says is needed.
The dispute comes as the Trump administration has already imposed steep Lower Basin cuts for the next 2 years after the seven basin states failed to update their water-sharing agreement.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and California water officials counter that the state’s Colorado River use is at its lowest since 1949, urban agencies have cut imported-water demand 50% since 2000, and billions are being invested, including a $6.8 billion reservoir.