JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association · 1976 · 15 citations · 0 references
Natural ResourcesNatural Resource GovernanceWater Resources ManagementWater GovernanceWater PolicyWater Resource ManagementRiver EngineeringWater Conflict ResolutionWater ManagementWater PoliticsWater Resource EconomicsWater Resource PolicyAlternative FuelsBasin Water ConflictConflict Over Natural ResourcesDiversionsMining ConflictSynthetic FuelsWater Resource ConflictsWater Resource Politics
ABSTRACT The abundant, high‐quality waters of the Yellowstone River Basin have fostered a strong agricultural‐based economy in eastern Montana. The region also contains the nation's largest strippable coal reserves. Numerous conflicts have developed around the mining of coal and in‐state conversion of coal into electricity and synthetic fuels – processes that require large volumes of water. Competition for water among industrialists, agriculturalists, and others is a critical state issue. Probable effects of increased water diversions, the nature of water‐energy conflicts, and state efforts to control development are discussed.