Can 'hamster power' -- distributed generation and small-scale renewable energy projects -- save the West, and the world?
Magazine
June 15, 2009
Can 'hamster power' -- distributed generation and small-scale renewable energy projects -- save the West, and the world?
Feature
Utility brings solar power to far-flung Navajos
In Colorado and New Mexico, some rural electric cooperatives are quietly fighting to get more of their power from local and renewable sources.
Vaclav Smil is a historian who exemplifies Vulcan-style logic and skepticism when it comes to easy solutions to energy problems.
Maps, charts and text locate the nation's major renewable energy resources and some big projects on Western public land.
The Sierra Club's Carl Zichella discusses the balancing act involved in finding the best -- and least environmentally sensitive -- places to put big renewable energy projects
Editor's Note
Is it possible to help resolve a huge problem like climate change by cobbling together small, locally generated solutions?
Essays
The unexpected loveliness of the song of the varied thrush reminds the author that the birds are on the move, driven by climate change.
Book Reviews
British author Brian Schofield pulls no punches in his account of a tragic episode in American history, Selling Your Father’s Bones: America’s 140-year War Against the Nez Perce Tribe.
Writers on the Range
The articles in old American Heritage magazines remind us that life in the West used to be a whole lot harder than it is.
Dear Friends
High Country News skips an issue; visitors; Ray Ring wins prize; correction.
Letters
Two Weeks in the West
Are wind-turbine-fighting environmentalists re-enacting Don Quixote's crusade against windmills -- while ignoring the real monster of climate change?
Featured stories
-
HIGH DIVIDE RESTORATION PRACTITIONER Who We Are: The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create...
-
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSTRUCTION GEOPHYSICS We characterize contaminated sites and locate buried drums, tanks, debris and also find groundwater.
-
SIERRA VALLEY PRESERVE LAND STEWARD We are hiring a hands-on worker to help care for the land FRLT has conserved. This position will work directly with the Sierra Valley Preserve...
-
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Are you a supporter of public lands and interested in a career in the nonprofit sector? Grand Teton National Park Foundation is hiring a Development...
-
RANCH GENERAL MANAGER Ranch General Manager for a large family-owned Ranch on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. Diversified operations include: an agro-tourism educational retreat center, renewable energy and...
-
COMMUNICATIONS AND PROJECT COORDINATOR CONTRACTOR POSITION SUMMARY: The Communications and Project Coordinator will support the Executive Director (ED) in campaign and administrative related tasks. The Coordinator is responsible for research...
-
HOMESICK: WHY HOUSING IS UNAFFORDABLE AND HOW WE CAN CHANGE IT A timely, damning, and ultimately hopeful investigation of housing in the United States. Essential reading in the West.
-
OREGON AGRICULTURAL LAND EASEMENT (ALE) PROGRAM COORDINATOR Status: Full time Reports to: Conservation Program Manager Salary Range: $60,000-65,000 Duration: Position is funded for 12 months, with the expectation of annual renewal Benefits:...
-
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSERVATION The Vice President of Conservation will arrive at a time of remarkable growth and opportunity within the organization. Guided by the bold and ambitious goals...
-
WINTER WILDLANDS ALLIANCE IS HIRING! Help us inspire and empower people to protect America's wild snowscapes! We are a small, mighty and growing team dedicated to our work and looking...
-
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR- ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF WEST MARIN The EAC's Executive Director provides overall leadership for the operation of the organization. The Executive Director is responsible for implementing programs and policies set by...
-
UTE LEGENDS These carefully researched stories reflect a deep and abiding understanding of Ute culture and history. These authintic, colorful legends also illustrate the Ute's close connections...
-
FUNDRAISING ASSOCIATE - HIGH COUNTRY NEWS High Country News seeks an organized and collaborative Fundraising Associate to drive donor discovery and the cultivation and acquisition of mid-level and recurring gifts. This...
-
MONTANA CONSERVATION ASSOCIATE GYC is hiring! Please see our careers page for more details greateryellowstone.org/careers
-
12 ACRES IN EAGLE, COLORADO! Tranquility & land are becoming more and more rare. This land is a haven for peace, where nature beckons & flourishes. Enjoy the mountain views...
-
SURGICAL SHARPENING SERVICE is a Denver-based mail order surgical instrument sharpening service established in 2009. Specialties include surgical scissors, dental elevators, trocar sets, and gynecological biopsy forceps.
-
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) seeks a strategic and visionary Executive Director: View all job details here- https://bit.ly/CCRHED
-
MONTANA BLUES Thrilling new crime novel by ex-HCN editor Ray Ring : A rural White horsewoman and an urban Black man battle White supremacists in a tough...
-
CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE Field seminars for adults in natural and human history of the northern Colorado Plateau, with lodge and base camp options. Small groups, guest experts.
-
COMING TO TUCSON? Popular vacation house, everything furnished. Two bedroom, one bath, large enclosed yards. Dog-friendly. Contact Lee at [email protected] or 520-791-9246.
