Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Western governors want to expand geothermal development
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Tuesday, July 11, 2023
The McGinness Hills Geothermal Complex is a complex of three geothermal power stations located in Lander County, Nevada; BLM Nevada, Flickr ([link removed])
Governors in the Mountain West are pushing for increased ([link removed]) geothermal development in their states.
At a recent annual meeting of the Western Governors' Association ([link removed]) , Colorado Governor Jared Polis unveiled the latest report ([link removed]) from the group’s Heat Beneath Our Feet ([link removed]) initiative, which focuses on how to expand geothermal development in the West.
Geothermal resources are reservoirs of hot water ([link removed]'s%20surface.) that exist or are human made at varying temperatures and depths below the Earth's surface. Wells, ranging from a few feet to several miles deep, can be drilled ([link removed]'s%20surface.) into underground reservoirs to tap steam and very hot water that can be brought to the surface for use in a variety of applications, including electricity generation, direct use, and heating and cooling.
Experts say ([link removed]) that nearly every Western state could tap into more geothermal power, with the potential to produce as much as five percent of the national electricity supply using existing technology. Currently, Nevada sources more than ([link removed]) nine percent of its power from geothermal energy, while California approaches six percent.
However, like most energy sources, geothermal projects are not without controversy ([link removed]) . A Tribe in Nevada has fought ([link removed]) a proposed project that it fears will damage hot springs it considers sacred, while a geothermal plant in Hawaii has long faced ([link removed]) community opposition due to noise and hydrogen sulfide leaks.
Quick hits
** In the Northern Rockies, grizzly bears are on the move as populations recover
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High Country News ([link removed])
** New law to protect Joshua trees from climate change imposes fees on desert developers
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Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
** Opinion: Proposed BLM rule will bring balance to public land management
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Colorado Sun ([link removed]) | Source NM ([link removed])
** Analysis: Most commenters favor BLM’s proposed public lands rule
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Boise State Public Radio ([link removed])
** Biden administration announces $650 million to plug orphaned gas and oil wells
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The Hill ([link removed])
** Study: Climate change brings more extreme rainfall to mountain towns
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KUNR Public Radio ([link removed])
** Opinion: Equitable access to the outdoors will improve health and conservation in Utah and other states
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Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
** In Oregon, a town buys surrounding forests to confront climate-driven wildfires
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Inside Climate News ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” We have a chance to rebalance BLM activities with this proposal. The BLM can realign its priorities to a model that prioritizes the public good over private profit. The Biden administration has heard from the public that we want public lands to be managed in a way that protects wildlife, watersheds, and our Western way of life. It is our chance to ensure that BLM protects those public lands that promote robust and healthy communities in the West.”
—Ciara Faber, Mountain Mamas board member and a mother of two, Source NM ([link removed])
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