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Hydropower production took a hit in 2023

Mar 28, 2024
Regions that depend on it are having to look to other sources of energy — which can cost more.
In May 2023, California's Lake Oroville reservoir rose to 100% capacity due to record-setting rains and heavy snowfall. Early, rapid runoff can make it harder to store water and generate hydroelectricity year-round.
George Rose/Getty Images

Why is it so hard to negotiate a Colorado River conservation deal?

Oct 6, 2022
It's been almost two months since the basin states blew past a federal deadline to negotiate major water conservation.
Without significant conservation, the seven basin states that depend on the Colorado River for water and hydroelectric power risk shortages.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
"The way that we're defining this...is not just about those water volumes, it's also about water quality, and also about access to water for the poor," Pacific Institute President Jason Morrison said about the business-led Water Resilience Coalition.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Texan oil man T. Boone Pickens hangs up his hat

Jan 12, 2018
Infamous investor T. Boone Pickens is closing his BP Capital fund and retiring at age 89 after amassing a fortune in energy — everything from oil and natural gas, to wind power and water. Click the audio player above to hear the full story. 

Uganda weighs energy needs against tourism industry

Mar 4, 2016
A planned hydroelectric dam threatens adventure tourism businesses in Uganda.
River guides help tourists rafting the intense rapids on the White Nile. Many are worried they will lose their jobs if a planned hydroelectric dam floods the rapids near Uganda's Kalagala Falls.
Kimberly Adams/Marketplace

Green power vs. green power

Mar 6, 2012
Canadian hydroelectric projects could threaten domestic green energy start-ups.