Traveling the Power Line: From the Mojave Desert to the Bay of Fundy

In our power-hungry world, all the talk about energy—what’s safe and what’s risky, what’s clean and what’s dirty, what’s cheap and what’s easy—tends to generate more heat than light. What, Julianne Couch wanted to know, is the real story on power production in this country? Approaching the question as a curious consumer, Couch takes us along as she visits nine sites where electrical power is developed from different fuel sources. From a geothermal plant in the Mojave Desert to a nuclear plant in Nebraska, from a Wyoming coal-fired power plant to a Maine tidal-power project, Couch gives us an insider’s look at how power is generated, how it affects neighboring landscapes and the people who live and work there, and how each source comes with its own unique complications.

The result is an informed, evenhanded discussion of energy production and consumption on the global, national, regional, local, and—most important—personal level. Knowledge is the real power this book imparts, allowing each of us to think beyond the flip of a switch to the real consequences of our energy use.

"1113729624"
Traveling the Power Line: From the Mojave Desert to the Bay of Fundy

In our power-hungry world, all the talk about energy—what’s safe and what’s risky, what’s clean and what’s dirty, what’s cheap and what’s easy—tends to generate more heat than light. What, Julianne Couch wanted to know, is the real story on power production in this country? Approaching the question as a curious consumer, Couch takes us along as she visits nine sites where electrical power is developed from different fuel sources. From a geothermal plant in the Mojave Desert to a nuclear plant in Nebraska, from a Wyoming coal-fired power plant to a Maine tidal-power project, Couch gives us an insider’s look at how power is generated, how it affects neighboring landscapes and the people who live and work there, and how each source comes with its own unique complications.

The result is an informed, evenhanded discussion of energy production and consumption on the global, national, regional, local, and—most important—personal level. Knowledge is the real power this book imparts, allowing each of us to think beyond the flip of a switch to the real consequences of our energy use.

14.99 In Stock
Traveling the Power Line: From the Mojave Desert to the Bay of Fundy

Traveling the Power Line: From the Mojave Desert to the Bay of Fundy

by Julianne Couch
Traveling the Power Line: From the Mojave Desert to the Bay of Fundy

Traveling the Power Line: From the Mojave Desert to the Bay of Fundy

by Julianne Couch

eBook

$14.99  $19.95 Save 25% Current price is $14.99, Original price is $19.95. You Save 25%.

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers

LEND ME® See Details

Overview

In our power-hungry world, all the talk about energy—what’s safe and what’s risky, what’s clean and what’s dirty, what’s cheap and what’s easy—tends to generate more heat than light. What, Julianne Couch wanted to know, is the real story on power production in this country? Approaching the question as a curious consumer, Couch takes us along as she visits nine sites where electrical power is developed from different fuel sources. From a geothermal plant in the Mojave Desert to a nuclear plant in Nebraska, from a Wyoming coal-fired power plant to a Maine tidal-power project, Couch gives us an insider’s look at how power is generated, how it affects neighboring landscapes and the people who live and work there, and how each source comes with its own unique complications.

The result is an informed, evenhanded discussion of energy production and consumption on the global, national, regional, local, and—most important—personal level. Knowledge is the real power this book imparts, allowing each of us to think beyond the flip of a switch to the real consequences of our energy use.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780803245600
Publisher: Nebraska Paperback
Publication date: 03/01/2013
Series: Our Sustainable Future
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 240
File size: 321 KB

About the Author

Julianne Couch is an independent journalist and essayist. She is the author of Jukeboxes and Jackalopes: A Wyoming Bar Journey and Waking Up Western: Collected Essays.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xv

1 Of Megawatts and Meadowlarks: A Wyoming Wind Farm 1

2 Angels and Monsters: A Wyoming Coal-Fired Power Plant 24

3 Fission and Fishing: A Nebraska Nuclear Power Plant 49

4 Solids, Liquids, and Gases: A Texas Gas Field 74

5 Homegrown Revolution: An Iowa Biomass Research Facility 99

6 Journey a Little Way into the Earth: A Utah Geothermal Plant 123

7 Water, Water, Everywhere: A Kentucky Hydropower Plant 143

8 Don't Let the Sun Go Down … without Capturing Its Energy: A Nevada Solar-Thermal Power Plant 166

9 Harnessing the Moon: A Maine Tidal Power Project 188

Afterword 212

A Note on Sources 213

What People are Saying About This

Booklist - Carol Haggas

"In clear and straightforward terms, Couch demystifies the science and takes an equitable and even-handed approach to the politics involved in energy production. The result is an accessible primer and essential guide to crucial issues surrounding critical challenges."—Carol Haggas, Booklist starred review

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews