Question

Georgia Needs Hydroelectric Power

It’s time to get ready for school, but it’s dark outside. Fortunately, the switch on the wall will bring much-needed light. You may not stop to wonder what is generating that power as you work to get dressed. In Georgia, much of the state’s energy comes from traditional methods. These sources are non-sustainable and can release harmful pollution. Georgia, however, has a wonderful source of energy that is renewable and clean: the river system. As the population increases and technology improves, the state will need to turn to a renewable, reliable, and clean energy source—hydroelectric power.

Georgia’s Current Power Sources

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2016, Georgia relied primarily on traditional energy sources. Georgia’s four nuclear plants generated about twenty-six percent of usable power. Coal plants created about twenty-eight percent. Natural gas provided forty percent. Although these sources are reliable and easily create ninety-four percent of Georgia’s current needs, these sources create pollution and are non-renewable. Georgia needs to be aware of the impact of pollution on its citizens. Decreasing air quality during the summer is a concern. The state experiences air quality code alerts nearly every week. This occurs when pollutants from industry make it difficult for many citizens to breathe. In addition, Georgia’s expanding industry and population will need more power in the future. Dwindling supplies of coal and natural gas may not be able to support the state’s growing needs.

Harnessing the Power of Rivers

Georgia is fortunate to host fourteen river basins that offer a clean and renewable energy source. As early as the 1800s, the textile industry used the power of swiftly flowing rivers to fuel its mills. The potential energy of the water powered the machines needed to turn cotton into usable fiber. Water power in the early days created no pollution and was easily harnessed along Georgia’s Fall Line. The drop in elevation from the Piedmont region to the Coastal Plain and the resulting fast-moving water provided mills from Columbus to Augusta with renewable energy.

Hydroelectric Power

Today’s technology can easily use the same principles to create a clean energy source for Georgia. Water that is captured in reservoirs behind dams is released into turbines that produce electricity. Some proponents of other renewable energy sources, such as solar power, point out that the building of dams floods otherwise usable land and is unreliable during droughts. However, these plants are flexible and can adapt to changing water levels and energy demands. In addition, they can offer recreation facilities in the reservoirs. One notable example is Lake Lanier.

Georgia should look to the past for inspiration on how to power its future, using clean, reliable, and renewable energy. It must explore energy sources that benefit both the environment and citizens. Hydroelectricity is the answer.

Multiple Choice Question
Which sentence from “Georgia Needs Hydroelectric Power” demonstrates how the author acknowledges and responds to a conflicting viewpoint?

In Georgia, much of the state's energy comes from traditional methods.

The state experiences air quality code alerts nearly every week.

However, these plants are flexible and can adapt to changing water levels and energy demands.

It must explore energy sources that benefit both the environment and citizens.

Answer 1

However, these plants are flexible and can adapt to changing water levels and energy demands.

This sentence explicitly responds to the opposing claim (that dams flood land and are unreliable in droughts) by offering a counterargument.