Energy
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Feature
The fading Arizona town of Gila Bend bets big on solar
At last -- a place to put utility scale plants that won't ruin the desert. But will politics and the economy get in the way?
by Judith Lewis Mernit, Jun 04, 2012 -
Sidebar
Planned and operating solar projects in Gila Bend, Arizona
A map showing location and project status for solar buildups
by Town of Gila Bend, May 27, 2012 -
Sidebar
Choosing between solar and soil in California
Michael Robinson wants to lease some of his less-productive farmland for solar development, but a California law designed to protect the state's soil may make that impossible.
by Robin Meadows, May 27, 2012 -
Sidebar
Can solar produce long-lasting jobs?
Constructing solar energy plants provides well-paying jobs, but most of the work is only temporary.
by Judith Lewis Mernit, May 27, 2012 -
Editor's Note
What's the best place for Big Solar?
Environmentalists have been too busy squabbling over proposed solar plants to pay much attention to one of the most promising sites: Gila Bend, Ariz.
by Sarah Gilman, May 27, 2012 -
Sidebar
California clean energy rules may impede imports from rest of West
Renewable energy developers have long relied on selling to California, but recent changes make it harder for outsiders to access the market.
by Steve Ernst, May 28, 2012 -
Writers on the Range
The Pawnee Buttes oversee a changing landscape
Eastern Colorado’s Pawnee Buttes have witnessed so many historical changes that they’re likely to survive the current energy-development boom.
by Allan Best, May 10, 2012 -
Letters
Pragmatism is doomed
by Ken Wilson, Apr 29, 2012 -
Feature
The Other Bakken Boom: America's biggest oil rush brings tribal conflict
North Dakota's Three Affiliated Tribes have long wanted a stake in the state's occasional oil booms, but the size, scope and speed of the Bakken development caught them completely unprepared.
by Sierra Crane-Murdoch, Apr 23, 2012 -
Current
Redefining "renewable" to get a clean energy bill through Congress
As his retirement looms, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., pushes a "clean energy" bill, one that broadens the energy mix beyond traditional "renewable" sources.
by Judith Lewis Mernit, Apr 15, 2012 -
Editor's Note
When a boom is not a boon
In North Dakota, the Three Affiliated Tribes are trying to cope with both the benefits and the unexpected problems brought by the Bakken oil rush.
by Sarah Gilman, Apr 15, 2012 -
Letters
A lament for open range
by John Fandek, Apr 15, 2012 -
Writers on the Range
Solar power works best when it stays small and local
Industrial-style, large-scale solar developments on Western public lands are simply not the right way to go.
by Janine Blaeloch, Apr 11, 2012 -
Current
The BLM struggles to get ahead of oil and gas development in the West
Master leasing plans, or MLPs, are a new tool designed to help the Bureau of Land Management better coordinate energy leasing and development in areas that may need special treatment or protection.
by Kimberly Hirai, Mar 13, 2012 -
Letters
Natural gas: a non-solution
by Robert Jacobson, Mar 04, 2012






