Trump halts Columbia River Treaty negotiations with Canada

The Columbia River, which flows between the U.S. and Canada, is now caught in a dispute between the two countries. The conflict started during Donald Trump's presidency when his administration halted negotiations to renew a long-standing treaty that manages the river's usage. Last year, President Joe Biden's administration reached a temporary agreement with Canada to extend the Columbia River Treaty. This treaty is important for flood control and sharing hydropower. However, Trump's decision to stop finalizing the agreement has raised concerns about its future. Under the original treaty signed in 1964, Canada built storage dams to reduce flooding, particularly after a devastating flood in 1948. In return, the U.S. provided Canada a share of the hydroelectric power generated. Today, the Columbia River supplies over 40% of the U.S.'s hydroelectric power, and the treaty brings Canada around $200 million annually. Trump has suggested that the river could be used to help California, which faces water shortages. He described it as a "giant faucet" that can be turned on to divert water. Experts fear that using the river for political bargaining could harm ecosystems and cooperative resource management. Concerns have also been raised about Trump’s focus on California's water supply. Earlier this year, he ordered the release of water from dams in Southern California, which worried farmers about the impact on their summer irrigation needs. Environmental experts warn that this approach could lead to more problems rather than solutions. The White House has not yet commented on the halted treaty negotiations.