The Great Basin

This is an wide-angled image of an open field with a geothermal research project in the center. Mountains are in the background.

Great Basin’s geothermal energy could produce 10% of the U.S. power supply, USGS says

Kaleb Roedel

A new report from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found that geothermal energy in the Great Basin could supply 10% of the nation’s electricity demand. However, greater engineering efficiency is needed to take full advantage of the heat beneath our feet.

This is an image of an irrigation system spraying water on green farmland, backdropped by mountains, in Utah. The sun is shining and reflecting in the mist of the spraying water.

Local Stories

New law gives Utah’s water agent power to negotiate with other Mountain West states

Kaleb Roedel

Utah lawmakers have given the state more voice in negotiations over the Colorado and Bear rivers. The move, however, has some environmentalists concerned about the sensitive multi-state agreements that govern the rivers.

This is an image taken from a mountain peak above Reno. The land is mostly brown with small patches of white snow. The sky is blue with white puffy clouds.

Energy and Environment

Study quantifies how 2021’s extreme spring heat waves shriveled Western snowpack

Kaleb Roedel

A new study shows that extreme spring heat waves can wipe out mountain snowpack at alarming rates, with big consequences for the West’s water supplies.

Soil scientists huddled together in a forest listening to an instructor.

Wildlife

Western Governors Appeal To Wildland Fire Managers To Prioritize Restoration

Stephanie Serrano

Governors across the West are asking for federal support to ensure that wildfire restoration becomes a priority, just like wildfire suppression and…