Study Links Pollution from 122 Companies to Western US Water Crisis

A new scientific study found that 122 major oil, gas, coal, and cement companies and state-owned operations are linked to the Western United States water crisis. The research found that climate change over the last 70 years caused a 36% decline in annual average mountain snowpacks, the primary source of surface water in many Western states. The study attributed about 40% of this decline to the climate pollution caused by the 122 companies.

The annual water loss attributable to these companies is equivalent to the amount of water held by Lake Mead at full capacity. The study concluded that the companies' products contributed to a 6% fall in streamflows in the region, alongside a 13% decline in average annual streamflows from mountains to lower-lying areas.