Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
If these policy, infrastructure, and individual steps were implemented to their full poten-
tial in Georgia, then some might foresee a symbolic end of Georgia's reign as Empire State
of the South. However, given the boosters' historical record of selling the South, modern
Sun Belt cooperation on energy and water issues throughout the ACF, Savannah, and other
multistate river basins will be just as good for business as competition. Southern water has
been harnessed to generate energy and spectacular growth for a long time. Sun Belt citizens
benefited from the steep curve and are increasingly aware that conflict over water and uni-
lateral attempts to control water and energy are not good for their communities, state, or
region. Informed Sun Belt citizens are engaged with these issues and eager to cooperate if
the goal is equitable water and energy policy for all.
When it comes to conflict over water, the American South is not exceptional. Historic
water problems, such as flooding and droughts, are the products of material environmental
conditions. Low-pressure tropical storms and heavy rain at any time can produce record
rainfalls and flooding, and high-pressure systems can generate record heat waves and
droughts. As environmental factors, these climatic events became problems for people after
rivers flooded built and domesticated environments, when urban and industrial centers
faced electrical shortages, and more recently, when municipal or poorly designed storm-
water systems failed or water supplies nearly ran dry. Energy and water choices played a
major part in the American South's history, and if that is a guide, water and energy choices
will continue to affect one another well into the future. When considered this way, the hu-
mid Southeast, the arid West, and the other parts of the country wrestling with their own
water problems and weather whiplash do not look so different. In this context, the Amer-
ican South has much to share with and learn from other regions grappling with what are
clearly national problems.