An ongoing drought in the western United States has dried up reservoirs and reduced hydroelectric power generation.Fossil-fueled power plants have filled the gap, but they have led to an increase in air pollution
environment
February 3, 2023
Power plants that burn coal and other fossil fuels produce more pollutants during times of drought. Shutterstock/James Marvin Phelps
Record low water levels in reservoirs in the western United States are a clear sign of water crises in the region due to widespread drought, meaning dams can generate less power. Bridging the hydropower gap.
On average, about 26% of the electricity in the western United States comes from hydroelectric power and 50% from fossil fuel plants…
