Weather, Water, Energy, 2-13-07

We talk here about the disputes among states over underground water reserves as supplies deplete in some areas, but within states, you get disputes like this one, where a guy wants to sell water under his ranch but will screw the entire aquifer from which it comes and on which many others depend. Hard to believe but OK doesn't set priorities on use. Probably not the only state either, wanna bet? . . . While in OK, take note of this article on how the state is finally capitalizing on its enormous wind supply, probably more wind than it's ever had oil and gas. Also, notice the shot at ethanol--"The logistics of this are not trivial." No duh. When an OK gets a clue like this, then the times, they are a-changin'. . . . David Roberts at Grist rips a new one to those who think we are still skeptical about nuclear because we're still close-minded from the 60's. Uh-huh. Good job, Dave. . . . NJ's governor has joined the growing list of govs proposing an extensive energy and greenhouse gas agenda. Somewhat different, he's using executive orders to get the ball rolling, and taking shots at Georgi Bushnev as he does. . . . Another story on how folks dependent on regular winters for their economies are being affected by the warm winter, and the splits in their communities with people who love not having to deal with the snow that the others miss. . . . Finally, more detail on the coming warming, this time from NASA scientists looking at the likely areas facing increasing drought. The weather patterns may already be changing, and look at who's facing the worst future:

Rainfall could decrease further in already water-stressed regions such as the southwest United States, Mexico, parts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Australia. Meanwhile, precipitation may increase across the western Pacific, along much of the equator and in parts of southeast Asia.

I have several friends who live in AZ. Looks like maybe I need to be saving some rooms. Of course, I live in OK so . . . .