Month: February 2023

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Dramatic Photos Show Lake Oroville’s Rise after Epic Storms.

Smith, Hayley, and Brian Van Der Brug. (2023, February 12) Dramatic Photos Show Lake Oroville’s Rise after Epic Storms. Retrieved February 15, 2023,

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-12/photos-show-lake-oroville-rise-after-epic-storms

 

After a series of heavy storms in California, Lake Oroville’s water levels have risen, as seen in photographs taken by the LA times reporters. The water levels at the lake, which is a crucial source of water and hydroelectric power for the state, had been low due to a persistent drought. However, the recent storms have brought much needed precipitation and the lake has seen a significant increase in water levels, although it still remains below its full capacity. The rise in water levels is a promising development, but experts caution that California’s water supply still faces long-term challenges due to climate change.

 

Some places were affected by the January storms differently. Lake Oroville seems to get fulled up for the better as we see the water levels rise for a key compontant for California’s wter supply.  Thankfully these waters levels did not reach the lake’s full capacity and settled down at around 68%. While the state is still declared in a drought, things are looking up. Looks like the heavy rains aren’t only harmful but can be resourceful. We are able to get a decent water supply, and which then can be used for hydroelectricity. Which is much cleaner than using harmful natural resources. 

 

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Creaking California: State’s Failing Water Infrastructure Vulnerable to Katrina-Style Disaster from ‘Inland Tsunami.

Richards, Tori. (2023, February 14) Creaking California: State’s Failing Water Infrastructure Vulnerable to Katrina-Style Disaster from ‘Inland Tsunami. Retrieved February 15, 2023, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/courage-strength-optimism/creaking-california-states-failing-water-infrastructure-vulnerable-to-katrina-style-disaster-from-inland-tsunami

 

There is a  potential risk of a disaster in California due to the state’s failing water infrastructure. The state’s water system, which includes dams and canals, is aging and not equipped to handle extreme weather conditions. A potential disaster could devastate California’s agriculture, energy, and overall economy. Suggests that the state needs to invest in upgrading its water infrastructure to prevent a catastrophe similar to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Additionally, it highlights the need for political leaders to prioritize this issue and work towards a solution. 

 

This article seems to blame politicians, such as Governor Newsom, stating that “he is sabotaging the water infrastructure” for not making any quick responses to these poorly aged dams. Some of these dams are over 100 years old, and the weather has completely changed significantly over the past years. It seems like this whole travesty could have or be avoided if we had been able to reconstruct dams before they’re damaged. It’s going to be a lot more expensive to completely fix dams then just improving little by little each year. 

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If a Megaflood Strikes California, These Dams Might Be at Risk

Masters, Jeff. (2023, January 31) If a Megaflood Strikes California, These Dams Might Be at Risk ” Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved February 12, 2023, https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/01/if-a-megaflood-strikes-california-these-dams-might-be-at-risk/

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains 694 of the nation’s dams. Recent research by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Water Resources showed several California dams that could be at risk if a “megaflood” were to occur. There are about fifteen high-hazard dams in unstable and poor conditions. The potential risk stems from an anomaly of heavy rains and flooding, which can significantly increase precipitation over a short period. The researchers note that while some dams have already taken steps to reduce the risk of flooding, others may require additional measures to mitigate the potential danger. 

 

Many dams in California put a potential danger to citizens because they live in an area with a threatening barrier. Some of these dams do a failsafe as engineers can release water into somewhere, but the consequences are unfortunate. It can lead to the destruction of habitat and menacing runoff. We need to propose a plan to update dams in a way that is prepared for this new climate. As these dams are inspected, the infrastructure isn’t in great shape. It will be complicated and expensive to do so, but the ultimate goal will be rewarding as we won’t see our homes or cities submerged under water.

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January Storms Leave L.A. County Flood-Control Dams at Risk of Overflowing.

Sahagun, Louis. (2023, January 24) January Storms Leave L.A. County Flood-Control Dams at Risk of Overflowing. Retrieved February 11, 2023,

https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-01-24/l-a-county-flood-control-dams-at-risk-of-overflowing

 

Los Angeles County’s flood control system is at risk of overflowing due to the heavy rain that occurred in January. As a result, officials warned residents of LA county to be prepared for potential flooding, landslides, and debris flow. The county’s 14 major dams and reservoirs are being closely monitored, and measures are being taken to lower water levels and increase capacity. The risk of flooding is expected to remain high until at least the end of February, with further storms predicted. The potential for flooding is a reminder of the need to prioritize infrastructure improvements and climate change mitigation efforts. Public works are continuously working on removing debris and mud from the reservoirs. 

Hydropower use today can still be challenging to work with. Contrary to the previous article, dams and reservoirs can overflow and lead to disaster. Overflowing and flooding are not the only problems using hydropower faces. Over the past month, California has received an abundant rain that became runoff or mixed in with dirt. Which then causes mud and debris to cover the reservoirs. LA county needs to find a cost-efficient way of removing said mud and debris. People can argue why using dams for electricity can be controversial and ineffective. 

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So Much Rain and Snow May Boost Hydropower – Good News for California’s Grid

Nikolewski, Rob. (2023, January 18) So Much Rain and Snow May Boost Hydropower – Good News for California’s Grid. Retrieved February 11, 2023, https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-01-18/california-rain-snow-could-boost-hydropower-good-news-for-power-grid

 

California’s recent heavy rainfall and snowfall are expected to increase hydropower production, which is good news for the state’s power grid. Hydropower can power California’s electricity, and with increased snowpack, hydroelectric facilities will have more water to generate more. This could reduce the state’s reliance on natural gas, which is used to meet peak electricity demand during dry periods. California anticipates more flexibility will power because the heavy rains should supply a decent amount of water. Unfortunately, the state can’t completely rely on rainfall for power because it could fluctuate and become another dry season, just like last year. 

 

Things are looking up for the use of hydroelectric power. The rainfall could be helpful for the power grid, and we would have less of a carbon footprint than using natural resources such as gas, oil, and coal. Dams aren’t an utterly emission-free solution, but research shows that it is a more efficient way without burning any fossil fuels. It is common knowledge that burning fossil fuels can lead to more significant issues. The upcoming rainfall could also be very effective because of the recent droughts throughout California.  

 

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A greener future begins with a shift to coal alternatives

A greener future begins with a shift to coal alternatives. IMF. (2022, December 8). Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2020/12/08/blog-a-greener-future-begins-with-a-shift-to-coal-alternatives 

In this article its main topic is to shift away from coal, and take necessary steps towards a more green future. Coal is one of the  major contributors to local pollution and climate change in the U.S. Coal is accounting for 44% of global CO2 emissions. The consumption of coal is expected to recover as the U.S economy emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, but many countries are taking steps to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, especially coal. Moving away from coal can be difficult due to several problems. Including the industrial use of coal being hard to replace, coal power plants are long-living assets, and the potential losses for the domestic mining industry and its workers. However, stricter environmental policies, carbon taxes, and affordable energy substitutes such as natural gas.. To fully phase out coal, it will take the support of many countries and finding another source of energy.

 

Out of these articles I enjoyed reading this the most because it gives us examples of what alternatives we can use. And given hard evidence, this relates to APES agenda because it gives specific examples on how there are alternative ways to create power without the use of dirty coal. My reaction to this article was kind of normal but I enjoyed reading it.     

 

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Quitting fossil fuels and reviving Rural America. Center for American Progress

 

Director, D., Molof, D., Manager, N. F. S., Fowler, N., Manager, S., So, K., Rowland-Shea,  J., Villagomez, A., Manser, K., Christianson, A., Avia, L., & Williamson, M. W. (2022, November 4). Quitting fossil fuels and reviving Rural America. Center for American Progress. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.americanprogress.org/article/quitting-fossil-fuels-and-reviving-rural-america/ 

 

Many coal based towns/cities in the  U.S. are facing significant economic challenges due to the declining use of coal for energy production and the downfall of coal-fired power plants and mines. The loss of coal revenue has led to layoffs, reduced services, and increased taxes and fees. The situation in Big Horn County, Montana serves as an example of the impacts of coal revenue loss on communities. A federal policy framework is needed to address revenue dependence and disentangle local economies from reliance on oil and gas revenue. The Center for American Progress recommends establishing an Energy and Resource Legacy Fund, which would replace annual revenue-sharing payments from fossil fuel production with stable, permanent distributions, and a Rural Investment Council to manage the fund. This solution would provide a predictable source of income for communities transitioning away from fossil fuels, at no cost to U.S. taxpayers.

 

This relates to our APES topic due to the fact that it gives us a complete run down on the pros and cons of eliminating fossil fuels. Even though eliminating fossil fuel would be great for our plant. Many countries’ cities and towns are economically built by fossil fuels and many people have lives based on selling or producing fossil fuels. I enjoyed reading this article because it gave me 2 different perspectives on fossil fuels and gave me an understanding that fossil fuels are still needed in today’s world. 

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EIA – independent statistics and analysis. Coal   and the environment

U.S. Energy Information Administration – EIA – independent statistics and analysis. Coal   and the environment – U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). (2022, November 16). Retrieved February 7, 2023, from https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/coal/coal-and-the-environment.php 

Coal mining, particularly surface mining, has significant environmental impacts including changing and damaging the landscape, burying streams, and releasing pollutants and toxins into the water and air. Also underground mining has risks such as ground collapse and release of acidic water. Burning coal releases various harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, carbon dioxide, mercury, and ash residues. The U.S. government has imposed laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act to reduce the pollution released. The coal industry has made efforts to reduce pollutants by using scrubbers and cleaning coal, while research is underway to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and mercury through carbon capture and sequestration methods.

 

In this article made by the U.S energy info administration complementary relates to our APES class/idea. In this article it gives us detailed information on how coal is extracted and the effect of mining it. Also mentions chemicals such as mercury and other hazardous material that would damage any biomass. In my opinion it’s progress that people are trying to create less emission with coal scrubber and using clean coal. So it’s becoming better over time.  

 

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. Power Plants and Neighboring   Communities

Environmental Protection Agency. (2022, September 3). Power Plants and Neighboring   Communities. EPA. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/power-plants-and-neighboring-communities 

The US Environmental Protection Agency) has given information on communities living near fossil fuel-fired power plants to raise awareness about the disproportionate impact these communities face from power plant emissions. The information is presented in  maps and graphs and includes information on six key demographics, including low-income population, people of color, and population over age 64. The data is based on communities within a three-mile radius of power plants and includes the percentage of each demographic in each community. The map and graph showed the amount of power plants located in or near communities that meet or exceed the 80th percentile nationally for each key demographic. 

The EPA article gives many points of the impacts of our plant but also gives us a demographic explanation on the effect of power plants in low income areas and how race and age etc could affect what you’re exposed to. This relates to APES due to the environmental impacts and how humans are impacted. I was very surprised by the amount of chemicals that people are exposed to. And some of these chemical can lead to cancer which was even more shocking  

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2022’s biggest climate change Bill pushes Clean Energy

Ogasa, N. (2022, December 14). 2022’s biggest climate change Bill pushes Clean Energy. SciencNews.RetrievedJanuary30,2023,fromhttps://www.sciencenews.org/article/2022+-climate-change-bill-legislation-clean-energy 

 The Inflation Reduction Act, was signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022, This has been one of the biggest investments the United States has made towards neutralizing greenhouse gas emissions. This act has the support of $369 billion to accelerate wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources. It will help cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by around 40% of the levels in 2005, with the goal of fulfilling the goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. The act also creates tax credits to reduce the cost for companies to adopt clean energy, helps the average American transition away from fossil fuels, and invests in clean energy for the future.

This article has a huge impact on mining of fossil fuels. This act’s main goal is to switch from unsustainable energy through fossil fuels and transition into clean energy such as hydro and solar and many other green options. This correlates with APES because it creates a better tomorrow for all and creates less co2 emission to be placed into the atmosphere. And besides this act will probably be one of the best things for this plant. We are finally heavily investing into clean energy