Rebecca Thilo
Lake City High School
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Consider the following situation: an office building experiences a massive power outage. People would still live, but the environment would alter dramatically. Elevators would not transport workers to their intended destination. Computers, the fundamental office tool, would no longer function, forcing work delays or work stoppages. Without electric coffee pots, even coffee breaks would cease to exist! Most importantly, there would be no light emitted from the smallest desk lamp to the largest boardroom chandelier. This situation would be far too common in 2015 unless substantial changes are made to accommodate societal growth. The problem is not easily remedied; no miraculous panacea will heal the wounds of the Northwest’s future electricity deficit. However, if a thoughtful, well-planned strategy to attain reliable, renewable energy sources is established, the future will be brighter in so many ways.

Before exploring the possibilities for improvement, status quo power-producing practices must be examined. The Pacific Northwest has relied upon its great natural resources since the beginning of the generation of electricity. Hydroelectric power has been the foundation and primary source for Northwest energy consumption, with around 160 hydroelectric projects in the region. Reported percentages for the amount of Washington’s power that is generated from hydropower range from 80-86%. Whatever the exact figure, Washington leads the United States in megawatts produced from hydropower. California comes in at second, but hydropower only sustains 19% of the Golden State’s population. Oregon is the nation’s third largest hydropower producer, which accounts for 60% of Oregon’s energy consumption. Idaho and Montana rank sixth and eighth, respectively, in the use of hydroelectric dams. Perhaps the most impressive figure of all is that Idaho’s power is virtually entirely derived from hydropower. It is as crystal clear as the waters of this region that hydroelectricity accounts for the largest piece of the Northwest’s power pie. While hydropower is the most prominent contemporary energy source in the Northwest, other resources are relied upon as well.

The possibilities of energy production are endless; some resources have yet to be tapped, and technology can still be developed and enhanced to augment the ultimate production of electricity. Renewable and nonrenewable resources coat the Northwest like a blanket over a growing child. The resources include coal, wind, petroleum, natural gas, uranium, nuclear capabilities, oil and gas, geothermal locations, dense forests, solar radiation, and more. Montana possesses a vast coal-bearing region (almost the whole state), but the state is positioned at number eight in the nation for energy production from coal. Idaho and Oregon rely on very little amounts of the nonrenewable resource. Eastern Idaho receives a wealth of wind that could be harvested into usable energy but of which is not taken advantage. Alaska is United States’ second greatest petroleum producer with California following close behind at third. While southern states are major manufacturers of natural gas, Idaho and Montana do not seize the opportunity. Uranium deposits surround the Inland Empire and run along the northern portion of the Rocky Mountain Range. Washington is the only Northwestern state to utilize atomic capacity, even though the state has few nuclear facilities, with just one licensed plant and two in the process of construction. Oil and gas resources are sprinkled throughout the Rockies and along the Californian coast. The Northwest has huge geothermal resources with vast amounts of acreage receiving salvageable energy. The beauty of the area is manifested in the undisturbed miles of wilderness. This precious, preserved work of nature’s art houses thousands of trees that could be cultivated for energy. Finally, solar radiation does reach the Northwest but is not as viable of an option when compared to previously mentioned sources. With all of the possibilities available for electricity production, the reasonable, preferred option is not easily agreed upon. Despite disputes, the undeniable fact remains that something must be done to meet growing electrical demands.

Some will argue that the production of electricity will keep pace with urban and rural needs and industrial growth, but verifiable research and well-warranted predictions prove otherwise. By 2015, electrical demands will not be met and consequences like those outlined in the introduction will assuredly ensue. While new generation of power has increased by four percent over the past ten years, the electricity consumption figures dwarf the percentage by brimming to an increase of 24 percent in the past decade alone. The population of the Pacific Northwest will swell by 11% in the next 13 years. Electricity will be needed to fulfill the 28,000 to 30,000 megawatts of electricity required to sustain 20 million households. Consumer, industrial, non-profit, and government demands will rise as well, hovering around a 20 percent increase. Needless to say, the problem is real, and three steps should be taken to effectively combat and assuage the growing challenge. The three steps include maintaining existing hydroelectric operations, adding further power plants to create electricity via wind, and reducing the demand for the commodity by treating electricity as a limited necessity rather that an unlimited luxury.

Hydroelectricity is already the most popular and most frequently used form of renewable energy, accounting for 90% of the harvested renewable resources. Still, only 3% of the nation's 80,000 dams generate hydroelectricity. There is much room for expansion of this figure, and it makes sense since the dams are already in place. The turbines would need to be installed in some locations, but that cost is well worth the outcome of valuable electricity. The Pacific Northwest is the ideal location for the expansion of hydroelectric power plants. Rivers wind like snakes throughout Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The environment would be minimally impacted by the preservation of current hydropower facilities and hardly affected by the expansion of plants to existing dams.

Hydroelectric critics and environmentalists argue that the hydropower industry hurts the hydrologic cycle and interferes with plant and animal development. The fact remains that dams are not the only intrusive factor in the aquatic environment. Waterfront mills for cutting timber and grinding grain, commercial fishers, farmers seeking adequate crop irrigation, and even boaters enjoying recreation have an impact on the environment. Thus, the hydropower industry cannot be blamed for the sockeye salmon and three other stocks of Chinook salmon being added to the endangered species list. Safeguarding measures have been implemented, such as fish ladders, locks, and hatcheries to accommodate for any change to the environment by the generation of hydroelectricity. Water pollution would not be a significant issue, especially when compared to the environmental devastation caused by an oil spill. Another benefit of hydroelectricity over other forms of energy production is that air quality would not be affected, like it would with the burning of sooty fossil fuels. Refining oil and processing coal contributed to 249 tons of carbon dioxide being released into the earth's atmosphere. Hydropower is an equally effective, cleaner alternative. Needless to say, hydropower will play an expanded role in meeting power demands.

The next ingredient needed for the successful mix of meeting 2015’s energy demand is the development of wind power plants. Eastern Idaho is a hub for useful currents of air that are not exploit for energy. About 15 sites in the eastern portion of the Gem State would be exceptional locations for wind power development. If a committee is established and technology continues to improve at its rapid pace, the dream wind power is closer to reality. Wind power is a beautiful alternative to the burning of fossil fuels for several reasons. First, wind is a renewable, unlimited resource. While its reliability may be in question, the unwavering fact that the supply will never be depleted from the face of the earth shines like a bright light in the dark tunnel of the Northwest’s energy future. Wind power does not emit hazardous gases, cause species extinction, contaminate the air, or leave behind heaps of waste and rubble. Wind power would foster carbon emissions reductions, fossil fuel conservation, and minimized discharge of other harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

Opposition will rightfully recognize the costs associated with power produced by wind, but the pros outweigh the cons. Even if the cost were high, power derived from wind would lead to fixed and predictable rates- an advantageous bonus and site for stability in today’s volatile and erratic economy. Thankfully, the use of wind power is presently increasing. The Midwest has been cultivating the use of wind power for the past couple years. Some Idaho electrical utilities support and encourage the expansion of wind power plants, but existing measures are not enough. The Northwest needs to secure the valuable resource and nurture the wind power industry. Storm Lake, Iowa serves as a prime example of effective wind power utilization with 257 turbines generating 193 megawatts of power- enough for 71,000 homes. Obviously, one power plant would not solve the mounting need posed by the Northwest’s growing population. If the Pacific region were to emulate the midwestern wind power farm on a much larger scale, a sizeable dent would be made in the problems of 2015.

The third ingredient that must be added to the mixing bowl in order to prepare the Northwest for 2015 relies on the cooperation of all energy consumers. If the energy producers do their part, consumers must reciprocate the favor with personal sacrifice. Nothing can reverse the rising rate of electrical consumption, but the sting can be lessened with the commitment of others to become more energy-conscience. Individual action is necessary for this part of the plan to be a success. Changes that can be made are boundless. Some ideas include: creatively manipulating heat settings so less heat is produced when nobody is awake or home to experience the warmer temperature, turning off unneeded lights, turning off and unplugging entertainment and technological equipment when not in use, and much more. Inventions and improvements on existing electrical devices have furthered the progress toward conserving energy. Incandescent bulbs can be replaced with longer-lasting, energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. The possibilities of ways to conserve electricity and limit its use are endless, but they must be seriously explored for any positive change to occur. Some companies offer incentives and rate reductions for decreases in energy consumption. While this strategy is risky, and someone is always out money, the environment is well worth a few extra bucks. The government could also reward industries, individuals, and energy companies for electrical cutbacks and efforts made to achieve a society that revolves less around consumption.

Rethinking the role of electricity in everyday lives would help the Northwest public curtail unnecessary energy expenditures. Society is propped up on the stakes of electricity, because without it, the world would literally be left in the dark. There is simply no logical reason why reductions cannot be made in contemporary electrical practices. Realizing the importance of electricity and treating it like a precious treasure is key to avoid its continued misuse and abuse. Recognizing where power does not need to be wasted and eliminating those strains on the environment would make the 2015 energy situation much more manageable.

The generation resources will not hinder rural and urban economic development. In fact, rural sectors will benefit from the expansion of hydropower because farmers might be able to use dammed water for irrigation purposes. The urban sphere will be affected but not hindered in economic progress. The demand to conserve may require creative thinking and adjusting certain routines to accommodate for energy efficiency, but life would still go on. Long-term benefits are key factors in justifying any inconvenience. Industries could make minor alterations now or suffer from blackouts, loss of electricity, and rate increases in 2015.

Hydropower, wind, and conservation are great strategies hat can be implemented to meet the demands of 2015, but other options are available as well. Pros and cons of the previous three alternatives were evaluated and weighed heavily in the positive, beneficial end of the spectrum. Biomass is another viable form of energy production that would coalesce well with the Northwest environment. It can be developed, but timber is already in demand for other uses such as paper production, wood for building, and heat for homes. The ecological tension is escalating in the lumber industry, so biomass is not the most preferable choice for energy generation. Fossil fuels are not even a possibility because of the pollution, hazardous waste, and nonrenewable status of the resources. President Bush has voiced support for exploring oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. He has pushed for this unnecessary power production under his energy bill, but many stand opposed. Jeopardizing the lives of species including migratory birds, caribou, three species of bears (polar, grizzly and black bears), Dall sheep, muskoxen, wolves, arctic and red foxes, and wolverines through oil excavation is not worth any good that might be promoted by such an action. Solar radiation is not as reliable and would work better in regions nearer to the equator than the Northwest. Fortunately, hydropower and wind are easily accessible, electrically efficient, and environmentally sound resources found in the Pacific region. For these reasons, wind, hydropower, and energy conservation compliment each other in the mix for creating a reasonable plan to save society from electrical chaos in 2015.

The Pacific Northwest is growing rapidly, almost too fast for electrical companies to keep up with demands. Unless changes are made, society will slide down the slippery slope to power pandemonium. The generation of hydroelectricity must play a larger role to meet the demands of 20 million homes. Wind power plants must multiply to help produce the predicted 28,000 to 30,000 megawatts of electricity required for urban and rural life. Finally, conservation and justifying energy use will help reduce overall consumption, decreasing the demand and stress on utilities. The future can never be predicted in certainty, but indications of future problems can be foreseen. Massive power outages can be avoided by acting now. Making intelligent, ecologically sound, energy-related moves for today will truly lead to a brighter tomorrow.