Rio Grande Water Use Cuts Required

Major settlement requires New Mexico to cut Rio Grande water use, costing $150M+. Farmers face drastic cuts—only 4 inches of irrigation this year. Climate change reduces snowmelt and reservoir levels. Data center development adds pressure. Wildlife severely impacted: endangered silvery minnow rescue underway, fish and wildlife seeking alternative habitats. New: Federal Colorado River Plan released—Upper Basin states (including NM) avoid immediate cuts but plan sets stage for long-term conflict; review process critical.