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Governing Scarcity: Navigating Rapids of Policy Change on Colorado River

Friday, September 26, 2025 12:15–1:15 PM

Description

The Environmental Studies Program and the Earth and Environmental Geosciences Department welcome University of Nevada - Reno Associate Professor of Political Science Elizabeth Koebele to the ENST Brown Bag Series. Her work focuses on environmental policy, specifically environmental governance, water policy and management in the western United States, disaster policy, public policy theory, and qualitative/mixed methods.At this event, Dr. Koebele will explore the following topic:Governing Scarcity: Navigating the Rapids of Policy Change on the Colorado River The Colorado River is a vital resource for western North America, providing water for 40 million people and supporting billions of dollars in economic output. It is also a river in crisis: drought, climate change, and sustained overuse have led to water shortages, negative ecological impacts, and growing competition among users over the last quarter century. Drawing on insights from a recent 7,500 mile-research trip around the Colorado River Basin, Dr. Koebele will provide an on-the-ground look at how this crisis affects different parts of the basin, how decision makers have attempted to “govern scarcity” through various policy decisions, and what potential transformations in basin governance are needed to sustain this critical resource into the future.Hot wraps from Hamilton Whole Foods will be provided and will include vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options. Please bring your own reusable water bottle.

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