A coalition of 27 fishermen, Native Americans and environmental organizations sent a letter expressing concerns about the impacts to salmon and water quality from proposed diversion associated with the Sites Reservoir Project. The groups allege that the Sites Project Authority has left out key facts in its environmental review which serves to downplay impacts. “We […]
For more than 20 years. there has been an ongoing debate about the impact of the four Snake River dams on the Pacific Northwest’s salmon population. Since the 1970s, billions of dollars have been spent to upgrade the dams and to improve salmon habitat. The results? According to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the average […]
In Mark Demuth’s research orchard in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the peach tree twigs glow a soft red-brown under the strengthening late winter sun. The peaches are emerging from hibernation, he says, as he points out which of the stirring buds will open as leaves and which as blossoms come early April. […]
The ever-decreasing cost of electricity from batteries is giving fossil fuels a run for their money as renewable energy projects combined with battery storage become increasingly competitive power supply options. The LCOE for lithium-ion batteries has fallen 35% to $187/MWh since the first half of 2018, research company BNEF said Tuesday. Going back to 2012, […]
Every minute, about 400 gallons flow past pressure gauges and shut-off valves into a 2-foot-high concrete box that marks the top of Beltz Well 12. If a pilot program goes well, this whole system could play a pivotal role in the water security of communities from Aptos to UCSC. Normally, water is pumping out of […]
The agency that manages Oroville Dam says the facility’s rebuilt spillway is likely to be pressed into service for the first time as soon as next week. The Department of Water Resources announced Tuesday that Lake Oroville has risen close to the point where the agency will need to release water to maintain empty reservoir […]
Sites Project Draws Criticism From Fishermem, Tribes, Conservation Groups
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Trinity Journal (Weaverville, Calif.)A coalition of 27 fishermen, Native Americans and environmental organizations sent a letter expressing concerns about the impacts to salmon and water quality from proposed diversion associated with the Sites Reservoir Project. The groups allege that the Sites Project Authority has left out key facts in its environmental review which serves to downplay impacts. “We […]
OPINION: Salmon And Dams Can Coexist
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Seattle TimesFor more than 20 years. there has been an ongoing debate about the impact of the four Snake River dams on the Pacific Northwest’s salmon population. Since the 1970s, billions of dollars have been spent to upgrade the dams and to improve salmon habitat. The results? According to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the average […]
Climate Change Is Already Hurting Fruit Breeders, And Consumers Could Soon Feel The Pain
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Washington Postby Adrian HigginsIn Mark Demuth’s research orchard in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the peach tree twigs glow a soft red-brown under the strengthening late winter sun. The peaches are emerging from hibernation, he says, as he points out which of the stirring buds will open as leaves and which as blossoms come early April. […]
Electricity Costs From Battery Storage Down 76% Since 2012: BNEF
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /The Utility Dive (Washington D.C.)by HJ MaiThe ever-decreasing cost of electricity from batteries is giving fossil fuels a run for their money as renewable energy projects combined with battery storage become increasingly competitive power supply options. The LCOE for lithium-ion batteries has fallen 35% to $187/MWh since the first half of 2018, research company BNEF said Tuesday. Going back to 2012, […]
Inside Santa Cruz’s Enviro-Friendly Water Recharge
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /Good Times (Santa Cruz)by Jacob PierceEvery minute, about 400 gallons flow past pressure gauges and shut-off valves into a 2-foot-high concrete box that marks the top of Beltz Well 12. If a pilot program goes well, this whole system could play a pivotal role in the water security of communities from Aptos to UCSC. Normally, water is pumping out of […]
Oroville Dam’s Rebuilt Spillway Is Nearing Its First Use Since 2017 Disaster
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /KQED (San Francisco)by Dan BrekkeThe agency that manages Oroville Dam says the facility’s rebuilt spillway is likely to be pressed into service for the first time as soon as next week. The Department of Water Resources announced Tuesday that Lake Oroville has risen close to the point where the agency will need to release water to maintain empty reservoir […]