Exploring the energy-water nexus. https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/energy/rss en Agriculture American West Economics Energy Law & Policy Management & Supply Tue, 23 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Angus M. Thuermer Jr., Wyofile.com https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/23/wyoming-is-missing-out-on-a-wrinkle-in-water-law-worth-millions https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/23/wyoming-is-missing-out-on-a-wrinkle-in-water-law-worth-millions Agricultural interests are getting rich off temporary transfers of water to serve oil fracking wells. Even though water is considered a public resource in the state, Wyoming receives only tiny fees for each transfer. Agriculture Climate & Weather Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Innovation Solutions Fri, 12 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Kirsten James https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/12/farms-food-producers-taking-strides-to-save-water-and-the-climate https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/12/farms-food-producers-taking-strides-to-save-water-and-the-climate Farming and food production use most of the world’s water and produce 13 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. A number of major growers and processors are taking steps to reduce those impacts, writes Ceres’ Kirsten James. Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Wed, 03 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Scott Greacen https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/03/will-a-landslide-on-the-eel-river-cause-californias-next-dam-disaster https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/10/03/will-a-landslide-on-the-eel-river-cause-californias-next-dam-disaster An historic landslide looms above Scott Dam, owned by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. The utility is trying to sell off the dam without acknowledging the danger posed by this geologic threat and a nearby earthquake fault. American West Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Toxic Taps Mon, 01 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Stephanie Malin, Tara Opsal https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/01/colorado-voters-face-competing-measures-to-restrict-fracking-wells https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/10/01/colorado-voters-face-competing-measures-to-restrict-fracking-wells Amid concern about groundwater contamination, a ballot measure would force new fracking wells to keep their distance from homes. Another, sponsored by the oil industry, would force local government to compensate property owners for any lost value that results. American West Climate & Weather Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Fri, 21 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Anthony F. Arrigo https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/21/hoover-dam-as-giant-battery-the-hurdles-are-more-legal-than-technical https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/21/hoover-dam-as-giant-battery-the-hurdles-are-more-legal-than-technical Los Angeles is proposing to build a 20-mile pipeline to transform Hoover Dam into a pumped storage hydropower project. It’s certainly feasible – except for the ongoing political and legal conflict over the Colorado River. American West Economics Energy Innovation Law & Policy Solutions Mon, 17 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Laura Paskus https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/17/in-new-mexico-move-to-reuse-fracking-water-stirs-cry-for-transparency https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/17/in-new-mexico-move-to-reuse-fracking-water-stirs-cry-for-transparency The state formed a working group, with the blessing of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to find ways to reuse wastewater from natural gas fracking wells. But concerned citizens say the process needs more daylight. American West Climate & Weather Energy Environment & Wildlife Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Fri, 14 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/14/can-we-operate-the-colorado-river-differently-amid-climate-change https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/09/14/can-we-operate-the-colorado-river-differently-amid-climate-change It will be challenging to adapt to changing precipitation and snowmelt patterns in the vital Colorado River watershed. Jack Schmidt at Utah State University is launching a project that may provide some answers. Agriculture American West Climate & Weather Energy Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Management & Supply Solutions Tue, 11 Sep 2018 08:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/11/crisis-at-lake-powell-looms-large-as-long-term-drought-reaches-upstream https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/09/11/crisis-at-lake-powell-looms-large-as-long-term-drought-reaches-upstream Water shortages at Lake Mead have drawn all the attention in recent years. Now water rationing has reached far into the Colorado River’s snowy headwaters, prompting concern about the long-term operation of Lake Powell. Economics Energy Innovation Law & Policy Management & Supply Thu, 02 Aug 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Lindsay Abrams https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/02/deeply-talks-water-conservation-and-efficiency-challenges https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/08/02/deeply-talks-water-conservation-and-efficiency-challenges Statewide regulations and local innovations are contributing to making water conservation a ‘California way of life.’ Listen to two experts explain the implications of new water efficiency laws and highlight promising trends in conservation throughout the state. Agriculture American West Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Solutions Thu, 19 Jul 2018 09:30:00 +0000 Tara Lohan https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/07/19/heres-how-the-largest-dam-removal-project-in-the-u-s-would-work https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/07/19/heres-how-the-largest-dam-removal-project-in-the-u-s-would-work Four dams on the Klamath River may be simultaneously removed as early as 2021, after years of planning. It’s being hailed as a crucial effort to save salmon, but it won’t solve all the basin’s water problems. American West Economics Energy Law & Policy Management & Supply Mon, 16 Jul 2018 09:40:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/07/16/oil-boom-in-southern-new-mexico-ignites-groundwater-feud-with-texas https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/07/16/oil-boom-in-southern-new-mexico-ignites-groundwater-feud-with-texas Drilling new water wells is strictly regulated in New Mexico, causing hardship for an oil industry that needs water for fracking. So groundwater is being piped across the state line from Texas, prompting worry over the shared aquifer. Energy Innovation Wed, 27 Jun 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/06/27/new-desalination-process-could-extract-vital-battery-material-lithium https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/06/27/new-desalination-process-could-extract-vital-battery-material-lithium Lithium is found in seawater and in some groundwater. A new filtering material could be used in desalination to extract lithium, potentially offsetting the high cost of producing freshwater from the ocean, says University of Texas chemical engineer Benny Freeman. American West Economics Energy Law & Policy Wed, 06 Jun 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Debra Utacia Krol https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/06/06/hopi-tribe-sues-arizona-water-agency-to-enforce-power-contract https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/06/06/hopi-tribe-sues-arizona-water-agency-to-enforce-power-contract Tribal officials want the Central Arizona Water Conservation District to continue purchasing power from the coal-powered Navajo Generating Station, but the water district hopes to use cheaper and cleaner sources to pump Colorado River water. Energy Management & Supply Tue, 22 May 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/05/22/california-water-agency-concerned-as-neighboring-geothermal-plant-expands https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/05/22/california-water-agency-concerned-as-neighboring-geothermal-plant-expands Volcanically active Mammoth Mountain in California has been home to a productive geothermal energy operation for decades. Now, expansion plans have the local water agency concerned about the future of its groundwater. American West Economics Energy Law & Policy Wed, 25 Apr 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/04/25/wind-solar-power-could-be-key-to-salmon-survival-in-the-northwest https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/04/25/wind-solar-power-could-be-key-to-salmon-survival-in-the-northwest A new study concludes that four hydroelectric dams on the Lower Snake River in Washington State could be effectively replaced by renewable power and more conservation. Fred Heutte of the Northwest Energy Coalition explain why. American West Energy Management & Supply Tue, 17 Apr 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/04/17/desalination-in-las-vegas-faraway-ocean-could-aid-future-water-needs https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/04/17/desalination-in-las-vegas-faraway-ocean-could-aid-future-water-needs The Southern Nevada Water Authority expects growth to outpace current water supplies by 2037. Investing in seawater desalination is one option the agency is considering to meet demand in the desert metropolis. Economics Energy Innovation Management & Supply Solutions Thu, 01 Feb 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/02/01/battery-storage-begins-to-find-a-home-at-some-water-utilities https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2018/02/01/battery-storage-begins-to-find-a-home-at-some-water-utilities Irvine Ranch Water District is installing Tesla battery systems at 11 of its facilities, saving money on its power bill and helping to balance demand on the regional energy grid. General Manager Paul Cook explains the strategy. Agriculture Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Mon, 29 Jan 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/01/29/diverted-river-sustains-california-wine-country-but-its-killing-salmon https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/01/29/diverted-river-sustains-california-wine-country-but-its-killing-salmon Utility PG&E’s Potter Valley Project includes two dams on the Eel River that are up for relicensing. Water diversions into the Russian River for power generation are in jeopardy as salmon and steelhead remain at risk of extinction. American West Energy Management & Supply Fri, 05 Jan 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Emily Benson, High Country News https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/01/05/the-tiny-power-plant-that-shapes-the-colorado-river https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/01/05/the-tiny-power-plant-that-shapes-the-colorado-river Although small, the Shoshone power plant in western Colorado plays an integral part in how water is managed on the upper Colorado River, thanks to its water rights. Agriculture American West Energy Environment & Wildlife Law & Policy Wed, 03 Jan 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/01/03/big-unknowns-what-legal-marijuana-means-for-water-in-western-states https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/01/03/big-unknowns-what-legal-marijuana-means-for-water-in-western-states Six western states now allow recreational use of marijuana, creating a huge new legal market for cannabis farmers. But the implications for water supplies remain a big unknown. “It looks like a mess right now,” one expert says. Climate & Weather Energy Law & Policy Fri, 01 Dec 2017 03:00:00 +0000 Kirsten James https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2017/12/01/californias-water-solutions-discussed-at-international-climate-talks https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2017/12/01/californias-water-solutions-discussed-at-international-climate-talks The recent international climate talks in Bonn included a day dedicated to water action, with many of the solutions presented reflecting those being pursued in California. American West Economics Energy Management & Supply Mon, 06 Nov 2017 03:00:59 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/11/06/why-hydroelectric-utilities-are-endangered-by-soaring-solar-and-wind https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/11/06/why-hydroelectric-utilities-are-endangered-by-soaring-solar-and-wind A California phenomenon called the ‘duck curve’ successfully predicted an electricity surplus as solar and wind energy flooded the grid. This may be bad news for Western hydroelectric dams that are unable to adapt. Climate & Weather Energy Law & Policy Solutions Mon, 11 Sep 2017 11:06:16 +0000 Kirsten James https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2017/09/11/california-must-prepare-now-for-a-drier-future https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2017/09/11/california-must-prepare-now-for-a-drier-future The state should tackle its water problems the same way it has worked to curb climate change and that includes passing a package of bills to reduce water waste and improve efficiency, writes Ceres’ Kirsten James. Energy Thu, 17 Aug 2017 03:00:32 +0000 Matt Weiser https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/08/17/floating-solar-power-a-new-frontier-for-green-leaning-water-utilities https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/08/17/floating-solar-power-a-new-frontier-for-green-leaning-water-utilities Solar panel installations have primarily been installed on land. Now two California water utilities are building floating solar-power projects at their reservoirs to reap energy savings and other benefits. Energy Innovation Solutions Fri, 28 Apr 2017 05:00:33 +0000 Lara Setrakian https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/04/28/lessons-from-abu-dhabi-on-using-renewables-to-power-desalination https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/04/28/lessons-from-abu-dhabi-on-using-renewables-to-power-desalination Abu Dhabi’s renewable-energy company Masdar is working to reduce the energy intensity needed to desalinate seawater and make it more economically viable, technology which could prove a boon for places such as California in the future. Energy Innovation Management & Supply Solutions Fri, 03 Mar 2017 05:00:45 +0000 Padma Nagappan https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/03/03/how-desalination-plants-are-trying-to-overcome-environmental-concerns https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/03/03/how-desalination-plants-are-trying-to-overcome-environmental-concerns Stakeholders are exploring different options to reduce the much-debated environmental impacts of desalination to make it a more attractive option for drought-hit regions. Climate & Weather Economics Energy Environment & Wildlife Management & Supply Solutions Mon, 13 Feb 2017 08:10:38 +0000 Alex Krowiak https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/02/13/photo-essay-california-island-and-tourist-hotspot-copes-with-drought https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2017/02/13/photo-essay-california-island-and-tourist-hotspot-copes-with-drought The California drought isn’t over everywhere: Residents and visitors to Catalina Island have to rely mostly on desalination and bottled water after the island’s main reservoir has become depleted because of severe drought conditions. Climate & Weather Energy Innovation Management & Supply Wed, 23 Nov 2016 05:10:29 +0000 Joe Grindstaff https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2016/11/23/building-the-future-of-water-and-energy-in-california https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2016/11/23/building-the-future-of-water-and-energy-in-california Inland Empire Utilities Agency has invested in renewable energy generation. Now, the agency is employing energy storage systems in order to meet its goal of going gridless by 2020, writes general manager Joe Grindstaff. Energy Innovation Wed, 28 Sep 2016 12:40:15 +0000 Tara Lohan https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2016/09/28/energy-storage-is-saving-water-utilities-money-and-easing-grid-demand https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2016/09/28/energy-storage-is-saving-water-utilities-money-and-easing-grid-demand Irvine Ranch Water District and Advanced Microgrid Solutions have teamed up to build the largest energy storage project for a public water agency in the country. And the project will not only benefit the water agency, but the whole region. Climate & Weather Energy Wed, 14 Sep 2016 04:40:23 +0000 Kelly Twomey Sanders https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2016/09/14/how-climate-change-mitigation-and-energy-choices-affect-water https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/community/2016/09/14/how-climate-change-mitigation-and-energy-choices-affect-water Climate change efforts will mean inevitable changes to our energy supply. But it’s important to keep in mind how that will impact water resources, writes Kelly Twomey Sanders, an environmental engineering professor.