We are as shocked as you, but it’s true. Senator Murkowski, formally considered anti-science, has released an excellent report called “The Energy-Water Nexus, Interlinked Resources that Are Vital for Economic Growth and Sustainability“. The report begins “In many ways, energy and water resources go hand in hand. Water supports life while energy is the foundation of our economy and both are essential to our nation’s future and security.”
Sen. Murkowski’s report focuses on the science and data around the U.S.’ economic needs of water and energy and the interdependence between the two resources. She points out that existing U.S. power plants are currently experiencing problems with access to water. From the report, “Many have already been forced to reduce power production or even stop output altogether due to constrained water.”
Sen. Murkowski provides sensible recommendations for adopting more effective strategies for water and energy conservation that will boost national security and sustain economic growth.
Key Findings from the Report:
- 41% of freshwater withdrawals come from power plants
- Many technologies for conservation already exist and have been proven in the field Many of the planned thermoelectric generation stations are projected to be located in water-stressed areas
- Better data and coordination is needed to capitalize on technological innovation
- Government should encourage adoption of more efficient technologies
- A compilation of best practices is needed
- Federal leadership and public-private partnerships are needed to solve the problem
In conclusion, the Senator says it best. “Every American benefits from increasing the efficiency and availability of these energy and water resources while also reducing the associated costs. A focused and well-coordinated public-private approach to the energy-water nexus issues can promote economic growth and lead to new breakthrough technologies in water and energy resiliency. It is truly a “win-win” proposition for the American people.”
