May 2017 BLOG POSTS

Innovations in interdisciplinary sustainability institutes at major research universities

The significant sustainability issues of our day present some of the greatest challenges for the next generation. Indeed, the world that our next generation will inherit and live in will be far different from the one we live in today. Ecosystem changes resulting from climate change, water scarcity,... Read More >

The U.S. electric grid would cost $5 trillion to replace. Where should infrastructure spending go?

The electric grid is an amazing integrated system of machines spanning an entire continent. The National Academy of Engineering has called it one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century. But it is also expensive. By my analysis, the current (depreciated) value of the... Read More >

Are solar and wind really killing coal, nuclear, and grid reliability?

    U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry in April requested a study to assess the effect of renewable energy policies on nuclear and coal-fired power plants. Some energy analysts responded with confusion, as the subject has been extensively studied by grid operators and the Department... Read More >

Texas: advancing storage in aquifers for managing droughts and floods

Although it goes without saying, water is critical for the environmental and economic health of the state of Texas or any other state for that matter. Variable surface water supplies and generally depleting groundwater supplies in many regions are increasing challenges for water management both in... Read More >

What Texas can teach America about green energy

The current tenor of the national argument about America's energy future distracts us from a clear realization: Americans, regardless of political affiliation, overwhelmingly value the environment and clean energy. Don't take our word for it. Polling data show both conservative and more... Read More >