Renewable Energy Development in Rural Nevada

Rural Nevada has become the latest front in the battle against climate change. While renewable energy development is often well-intentioned, it can often get mired in difficulty and controversy. The complex nature of meeting ambitious climate goals and responsibly developing renewable energy in rural communities is described in this report published for the Sierra Nevada Ally.

As subject matter experts on this topic, I interviewed the following individuals:

  • Kevin Emmerich, co-founder of Basin and Range Watch
  • Laura Cunningham, California Director of Western Watersheds Project and co-founder of Basin and Range Watch
  • Lucas Ingvoldstad, State Director of Nevada for USDA Rural Development
Rural Nevada the New Front in the Battle Against Climate Change

New Facility Tests Wave Energy Technologies

In the following audio report for the Sierra Nevada Ally and it’s partner station KNVC 95.1 in Carson City, NV, I identify a new research facility designed to test wave energy technologies. Further, the PacWave facility will capitalize the opportunity for wave energy to contribute to a broader renewable energy portfolio.

In this story, we hear from subject matter experts actively involved in the research and development projects being conducted at the PacWave facility:

  • Burke Hales, chief scientist at PacWave and professor of oceanography at Oregon State University
  • Michael Lawson, group manager of water power research and development at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Listen in by clicking the Spotify link below or searching for “The Sierra Nevada Ally” wherever you get your podcasts!

Wave Energy Research Facility

As a science and energy reporter for the Sierra Nevada Ally, I often cover the research and development of renewable energy projects in the Mountain West and its surrounding region. In this report, I identify a new research facility designed to test wave energy technologies. Further, the PacWave facility will capitalize the opportunity for wave energy to contribute to a broader renewable energy portfolio.

In this story, we hear from subject matter experts actively involved in the research and development projects being conducted at the PacWave facility:

  • Burke Hales, chief scientist at PacWave and professor of oceanography at Oregon State University
  • Michael Lawson, group manager of water power research and development at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

The full written report can be found by clicking the link below!

“Persistent and predictable:” Harnessing the power of ocean waves to supplement a renewable energy portfolio

Lithium-ion Battery Cycle in Nevada

This audio story for the Sierra Nevada Ally and it’s partner station KNVC 95.1 in Carson City, NV, explores how Nevada is “closing the lithium loop” by developing the full supply chain in the lithium-ion battery cycle. This comprises of mining and processing to production and recycling of lithium and other critical minerals in the state.

For this story, I interviewed the following subject matter experts and discuss their perspectives:

  • Bob Potts, deputy director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development
  • Ryan Melsert, CEO of American Battery Technology Company

Listen in by clicking the Spotify link below, or by searching for the “Sierra Nevada Ally” wherever you get your podcasts!

Closing the Lithium Loop in Nevada

This report for the Sierra Nevada Ally analyzes the ways in which the state of Nevada is seeking to “close the lithium loop” by developing the full supply chain in the lithium-ion battery cycle. This comprises of mining and processing to production and recycling of lithium and other critical minerals in the state.

For this story, I interviewed the following subject matter experts:

  • Bob Potts, deputy director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development
  • Ryan Melsert, CEO of American Battery Technology Company

The full written report can be viewed by clicking the link below!

How Nevada is Positioning Itself to Close the ‘Lithium Loop’

Geothermal Energy and Sage-Grouse Populations

In this Q&A for the Sierra Nevada Ally, I interviewed Dr. Peter Coates, a research wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Western Ecological Research Center.

Dr. Coates conducted a study to understand the relationship between geothermal projects and sage-grouse populations in the state of Nevada. As geothermal energy becomes a more prevalent solution to the climate crisis, their influence to surrounding wildlife populations should also be considered.

The full written Q&A can be found by clicking the link below!

Could geothermal development be hurting sage-grouse populations?

Senior Water Rights for Native Americans

In the following audio story for the Sierra Nevada Ally and it’s partner station KNVC 95.1 in Carson City, NV, I investigate the history of Native American water rights in the United States through a series of rulings by the Supreme Court over the past century. The lens through which I analyzed the relationship between Native Americans and their senior water rights is the Native Waters on Arid Lands project.

In support of this effort, I interviewed the following subject matter experts:

  • Dr. Maureen McCarthy, research professor at the Desert Research Institute and Native Waters on Arid Lands project partner
  • Staci Emm, extension education professor with the University of Nevada, Reno, and member of the Yerington Paiute Tribe

The audio report can be heard by clicking on the Spotify link below, or by searching for the “Sierra Nevada Ally” wherever you get your podcasts!

Native American Water Rights

As one of the more neglected demographic groups in society, indigenous communities are often not considered when it comes to ascertaining water rights in the United States.

In the following report for the Sierra Nevada Ally, I investigate the history of Native American water rights in the United States through a series of rulings by the Supreme Court over the past century. The lens through which I analyzed the relationship between Native Americans and their senior water rights is the Native Waters on Arid Lands project.

In support of this effort, I interviewed the following subject matter experts:

  • Dr. Maureen McCarthy, research professor at the Desert Research Institute and Native Waters on Arid Lands project partner
  • Staci Emm, extension education professor with the University of Nevada, Reno, and member of the Yerington Paiute Tribe

The full report as published can be found here. This report found re-publishing opportunities in other relevant non-profit publications like The Daily Yonder and Barn Raiser Media.

‘Prove It or Lose It.’ How Tribes are Forced to Fight to Secure Senior Water Rights.

Renewable Energy Permitting Reform

In the following report for Ally Radio and it’s partner station KNVC 95.1 in Carson City, NV, I analyze the current state of permitting procedures for renewable energy development. Permitting procedures can often delay and even kills renewable energy projects from ever getting implemented.

For this story, I interview two sides of the permitting spectrum. I interviewed two subject matter experts in this space:

  • Landon Stevens, senior program director for the electricity sector at ClearPath
  • Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin Director at the Center for Biological Diversity

Each expert offered their perspective on the current permitting procedures currently in place, as well as opportunities to make the process more beneficial in order to facilitate renewable energy development.

The full audio report can be heard by clicking the Spotify link below, or by searching for the “Sierra Nevada Ally” wherever you get your podcasts!

Renewable Energy Permitting Procedures

In this report for the Sierra Nevada Ally, an analysis of permitting procedures for renewable energy projects is provided. Permitting procedures can often delay and even kills renewable energy projects from ever getting implemented.

For this story, I interview two sides of the permitting spectrum. I interviewed two subject matter experts in this space:

  • Landon Stevens, senior program director for the electricity sector at ClearPath
  • Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin Director at the Center for Biological Diversity

Each expert offered their perspective on the current permitting procedures currently in place, as well as opportunities to make the process more beneficial in order to facilitate renewable energy development.

The full written report can be found by clicking the link below!

Striking the right ecological balance for new renewable energy projects