The trend is largely due to a surge in solar production over the past year
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Wind and solar are outpacing coal despite record-breaking temps
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Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Solar panels in the California desert. Bureau of Land Management California, Flickr ([link removed])
In a first for renewable resources, wind and solar generated more power ([link removed]) than coal in the United States through the first seven months of 2024. Typically, hot summer months bring increased power demands and, consequently, increased electricity generation from coal. But due to a steady stream of coal plant retirements and the expansion of renewables, wind and solar have continued to outpace coal through July.
This trend is largely due to a surge in solar production over the past year—energy generated from solar operations is up 36 percent from the same time last year. Energy from wind is up 8 percent over 2023 levels.
Renewables' success in 2024 is especially impressive considering recent pressures on the energy grid. According to NOAA ([link removed].) , last month was the warmest July ever recorded by the agency, which manages global data going back 175 years. The American West is feeling it—last month, numerous states ([link removed]) experienced record-breaking temperatures, while California clocked ([link removed]) its hottest month in recorded history.
** Quick hits
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US wind and solar on track to overtake coal this year
E&E News ([link removed])
Four Colorado River states, feds ramp up negotiations over water conservation credit program
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
Opinion: Public Lands Rule also helps combat climate change
Daily Montanan ([link removed])
Arizona copper mines are already a hazard. Congress could make them even worse
Arizona Republic ([link removed])
New Oregon conservation area relies on strong partnerships
E&E News ([link removed])
EPA pushes Arizona to tighten Hermosa mine regulations. Critics say changes too lenient
Arizona Republic ([link removed])
U.S. Air Force avoids PFAS water cleanup, citing supreme court’s Chevron ruling
The Guardian ([link removed])
This historic home nearly burned in the wildfires. A unique firefighting strategy saved it
KUNC ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” The Public Lands Rule will ensure locally developed land health standards are a central focus in every agency decision, helping protect healthy wildlife habitat, clean water, and public land access.”
—Andy Wanta, geologist and environmental consultant, Daily Montanan ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@mypubliclands ([link removed])
"Hmm, difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind either. But where to put you...? Better be.....Gryffindor!"
Coyote Buttes North (The Wave) and Coyote Buttes South, in Arizona's Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, hosts some of the most visually striking geologic sandstone formations in the world, like the "Witch’s Hat." (But we think it looks more like the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter!). What do you think?
To preserve wilderness character and limit damage to this fragile area, we limit visitation to Coyote Buttes through a permit system.
📸 A rock formation in the shape of a witches hat at Coyote Buttes South, BLM Arizona; David Caldwell
#TravelTuesday ([link removed]) #YourPublicLands ([link removed]) #Arizona ([link removed]) #ArizonaPublicLands ([link removed]) #TheWave ([link removed]) #CoyoteButtes ([link removed]) #Wilderness ([link removed])
@arizonapubliclands ([link removed]) @usinterior ([link removed])
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