Drought will cause US agricultural shift
Subject The implications of exceptional drought in California. Significance California is in the fourth year of a severe drought. Low levels of snowpack in the Sierra Nevadas, a main source of water for the 50 billion dollar agricultural industry in the state, show that it will last throughout the year. Water in California is a divisive political issue, and a cohesive and comprehensive plan for water use may be beyond reach even in the face of unprecedented drought. Impacts Although without droughts as severe as California's, Arizona and Nevada may be more affected by water shortages. Arizona has measures in place to reduce groundwater use, which may be copied elsewhere. Use of the Colorado river will become a source of contention for western states, and internationally, with Mexico. This could lead to greater federal involvement in conservation efforts.