Little Colorado River

A Phoenix-based company has withdrawn its applications for two hydro-storage projects on the Little Colorado River. A third such proposal, however, remains in the works despite strong opposition from environmental groups and tribes. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.

Arizona’s U.S. Senate election has emerged as one of the most closely watched, most expensive and consequential of 2020. The outcome could ultimately decide which party controls Congress. Former astronaut and Democratic nominee Mark Kelly is challenging Republican Senator Martha McSally in the race to finish the late John McCain’s term. KNAU reached out to McSally’s campaign but she has not committed to an interview. But KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius spoke with Kelly about several issues affecting northern Arizona.

A coalition of environmental groups Monday plan to file a motion to stop a hydropower and dam proposal in the Little Colorado River Gorge. They say it represents a grave threat to the environment, endangered species and tribal sacred sites. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.

Federal officials have issued preliminary permits for two hydro-storage proposals on the Little Colorado River. The projects would include four dams and four reservoirs east of Grand Canyon National Park. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.

The Interior Department has suspended oil and gas leases on 4,200 acres in eastern Arizona following a lawsuit brought by conservation groups. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports, they allege officials violated federal law by not conducting proper environmental review.

The U.S. Interior Department in November filed a series of comments critical of two hydro-storage dam proposals on the Little Colorado River. One of the main concerns is the possibly detrimental impact to the endangered humpback chub. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.

Several national environmental organizations are trying to stop proposals for four dams on the Little Colorado River. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports, they’re urging federal officials to deny initial applications for the projects.

An explorer who has paddled a raft on a series of rivers across the West shares his experiences and appreciation of nature in a new collection of essays. Utah-based journalist Zak Podmore’s book “Confluence” takes us on a journey on some of his recent rafting trips on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon…to the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state and south to the Rio Grande along the Texas border with Mexico. Podmore will discuss his adventures in Flagstaff this weekend and he spoke with KNAU’s Steve Shadley…