We visit the Amargosa watershed to discuss Greenlink West, a transmission project now under construction that will ship energy from Vegas-area solar facilities to data centers near Reno. This project not only threatens to enable an explosion of data centers in Northern Nevada, but also incentivizes solar developers to concentrate development in largely untouched desert in the Mojave and Great Basin.

Key Takeaways:

• The Greenlink West transmission line is purportedly for energy distribution but appears to primarily serve data centers.

• NV Energy's developments misalign with publicized renewable energy goals, potentially increasing the burden on natural gas resources.

• The substation built in the Amargosa Valley indicates the impending rise of massive solar projects, with minimal benefits to local communities.

• Sallying efforts such as the strengthening of water rights control and military navigation illustrate the complex web of interests surrounding the project.

• The discourse reflects on broader energy infrastructure expansions, potentially at the expense of Nevada's untouched desert landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• "It used to be the Greenlink was to fight carbon emissions and climate change. But the goal has been becoming more obvious over the years that no, it's just for hyperscale data centers that are going to suck up all of our energy and water." - Laura Cunningham

• "What if I told you, though, that there was a pretty good chance that data centers are going to seriously damage hundreds of square miles of the wild Mojave and Great Basin deserts in the state of Nevada?" - Chris Clarke

• "This public land needs to be put to use and it's not for people." - Laura Cunningham

• "The primary reason that so much solar was associated with Greenlink is because it was supposed to replace fossil fuel plants... they're gonna just go with the flow with whatever market is available." - Kevin Emmerich

• "To me, this is such an interesting area because 30 air miles that way is Area 51." - Laura Cunningham

Resources:

• Basin and Range Watch

• Western Watersheds Project

• Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma within the United States

• Google Maps: Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, NV

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In this timely episode, Chris discusses the best ways to avoid becoming a statistic while hiking during desert heat waves. He also points out that the vast majority of people suffering injury and death from extreme heat have little other choice. Migrants, the incarcerated, and outdoor labor all face serious threats from hot weather, with little recourse to protect themselves. That's why state and federal protections for workers and the incarcerated are so crucial.

Notable Quotes:

• "Heat turns minor mistakes into fatal mistakes."

• "Testosterone is not an electrolyte replacement."

• Incarcerated people dying from heat injury is a frequent and growing problem that is not tracked in any methodical way."

• "Hug your dogs."

Resources:

• Podcast Website: 90 Miles from Needles

• PO Box for Donations and Support: P.O. Box 127, 29 Palms, CA 92277

• New analysis provides more evidence that heat standards save lives

• Leading Healthcare and Public Health Organizations Call for Federal Government to Fast-Track Rules to Protect Workers from Worsening Extreme Heat
• American Hiking Society's Hot Weather Hiking Guide

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of a personal loss and a several-week hiatus, our host Chris wonders about the future of the podcast and whether it's doing what we need it to do to get to the people who need to hear it. Listeners are encouraged to take a few easy and free (or cheap) steps to help spread the word of 90 Miles from Needles, including posting reviews on Apple, Spotify, or our website; boosting us on social media, and so many other possible ways to help.

A full episode will come your way on 6/19!

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.