** Research changing the fossil fuel game
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Friday, August 27, 2021
NREL ([link removed])

The end uses of fossil fuels determine the need for production, much of which occurs on public lands ([link removed]) , and, in turn, eventually contributes to the climate crisis. We talk a lot about that production ([link removed]) , because it can have devastating impacts on wildlife and fragile ecosystems ([link removed]-----------------------) in addition to negatively impacting thriving outdoor recreation economies and ripping off taxpayers. However, changes in end uses will have huge impacts on the amount of fossil fuel production required to support our society. New research findings could change the renewables and efficiency game and the need for fossil fuel production on public lands.

The country's biggest consumer of electricity is buildings ([link removed]) . As a result, buildings have driven a huge amount of past use of fossil fuels—not to mention fuels used for things like gas cooking and heating—and changes to their electricity use could have major impacts on the system. Federal researchers have made progress in using photovoltaic (PV) cells typically utilized for solar power to capture artificial light indoors ([link removed]) and convert it to electricity.

This new technology could be used to power wireless smart devices ([link removed]) in homes and businesses. An additional benefit is that it could also be used at night ([link removed]) . The researchers' next step ([link removed]) is testing the effectiveness of PV modules in powering devices in a residential scenario, with intermittent light and mixed sunlight from windows.

Another new study ([link removed]) finds that by using electricity and other resources more efficiently and spacing out consumption ([link removed]) , buildings could eliminate a need for A THIRD ([link removed]) of existing fossil fuel generation that is expected to still be operating in 2030. Such changes could similarly make half ([link removed]) of expected new coal and gas plants unnecessary.

Examples of such demand management strategies ([link removed]) include using smart thermostats to pre-cool homes in advance of peak hours, or using software to turn off computers and other equipment during non-work hours. Such changes could allow fossil fuel plants to be retired more quickly ([link removed]) , while also decreasing the need for new renewables projects ([link removed]) , taking development pressure off of landscapes.
Quick hits


** Zoom Towns in the West could hurt big game migrations...
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Outdoor Life ([link removed])


** ...and Western towns are really zooming, driving increased inequality and costs
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Guardian ([link removed]) | KUNC ([link removed]) | Missoulian ([link removed])


** The 'why' behind 2021's summer of environmental disasters
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The Atlantic ([link removed])


** Should Arches National Park expand? Local county commission considers it
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St. George Spectrum & Daily News ([link removed])


** How a CO2 pipeline explosion affected a town
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HuffPost ([link removed])


** Gaps in US wildfire smoke warning network leave many exposed
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Associated Press ([link removed])


** A woman who walked on thermal features at Yellowstone National Park was sentenced to 7 days in jail
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CNN ([link removed]) | ABC News ([link removed])


** Learn about the deep roots of outdoor recreation's diversity gap. Then, meet 10 BIPOC adventurers reshaping ideas of who belongs outdoors
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Opinion: Undark ([link removed]) [Diversity gap] | The Narwhal ([link removed]) [BIPOC adventurers]
Quote of the day
“It was bad enough that I thought my mama wouldn’t make it, and she still has trouble breathing. She never had asthma or COPD, now she’s on inhalers full time.”

—Army veteran Hugh Martin on fleeing his town after a pipeline rupture, H ([link removed]) uffPost ([link removed])
Picture this


** nationalparkservice ([link removed])
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Hold on everyone, my internet connection is a bit ruff…⁣
⁣
And we’re back. It’s been a busy summer, so it’s all paws on deck. (Desk?) Bark Ranger Grizz has been helping out around @grandtetonnps ([link removed]) , especially on #NationalDogDay ([link removed]) !
⁣
For many, pets are an important member of our families. If you are planning to bring a furry family member on your trip to a park, make sure you are prepared to follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger code. The code helps protect you, your pet, and the park. If the activities you have planned for your visit do not allow for pets or are unsafe, consider leaving them at home. ⁣
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B.A.R.K. stands for:⁣
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🦮 Bag your pet’s waste⁣
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🦮 Always leash your pet⁣
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🦮 Respect wildlife⁣
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🦮 Know where you can go⁣
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Image: Dog wearing a Ranger hat (quite fetching), while sitting at desk with a computer. A cat silently judges in the background. ⁣
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#dogdays ([link removed]) #grandtetonnationalpark ([link removed]) #barkranger ([link removed]) #nationalparkservice ([link removed]) #officelife ([link removed])

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