Clean Energy Jobs a win-win solution for Applegate residents

Alan Journet, The Applegater, Winter 2017

Win-win and no-regrets solutions rarely come our way, but in the Clean Energy Jobs Bill, our valley has a chance to hit that sweet spot.

Most Applegate Valley residents know that our temperature has been climbing for decades (for more information, visit  www2.usgs.gov/climate_landuse/clu_rd/nccv/viewer.asp) bringing early snowmelt and heat waves. Less obvious is the transition from high-elevation snowfall to lower-elevation rainfall, resulting in reduced snowpack and water shortages during summer and fall. Additionally,
rainfall is occurring more often as heavy downpours rather than light soil replenishing drizzle, thus stimulating floods. Together with reducing soil moisture, these drying patterns stimulate wildfire risk. Furthermore, the trends will only become more severe unless we address
their root cause: climate pollution inducing global warming.

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