NORTH CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROVERSIES (ENERGY, WATER, COASTAL ZONE): TRUTHS, HALF TRUTHS, AND LIES?

Geological and environmental literacy are necessary now more than ever as citizens and government officials consider short and long term issues that impact quality of life and economies. A selection of just a few topics from energy (Clean Power Plan, hydraulic fracturing, coal ash and ash ponds, offshore oil and gas and wind, wood pellets for energy), water (interbasin transfer, nutrient loading, surface and groundwater demands), and from the coastal zone (sea level, beach renourishment and development, saltwater encroachment) illustrate this broad spectrum of topics. Selections from these topics are used to illustrate the issues and the selective use of facts to advocate positions relative to the environment and climate. Questions include: 1) What are the benefits to the climate with using wood pellets vs coal, 2) How much energy is really available from the Triassic Basins and what impact would it have on water and climate, 3) How much energy will the wind turbines provide and are they capable of replacing other electricity supplies, 4) What are the possible consequences to our coasts with offshore energy exploration and production, and 5) What are the impacts with climate change on sea level change, saltwater intrusion, and coastal erosion?