Western Innovation Spotlight: From Fire Prevention toโ Future Energy & โCoastal Bounty
CHEYENNE,โ WY – A waveโข of innovation isโ sweeping across the Western United States, tackling โchallenges from wildfire prevention and energy independence to childcare access and sustainable food sources. Recent developments showcase a region increasingly focused on technological โขsolutions andโค community support.
One novel approach to wildfireโข mitigation comes from BurnBot, a remote-controlled vehicle designed to โคincinerate dry, fire-prone vegetation. Resembling a cross between โคa Zamboni and a tractor โtrailer, BurnBot offers a safe alternative to traditional prescribed burns in populated areas where other fuels management techniques โfall short. Early research indicates that areas treated by BurnBot experience a resurgence โof fire-resistant native plants, rather than invasive grasses.
The push for energy independence is gaining momentum withโ Black Mesa โคAdvanced Fission in Evanston, Wyoming, securing aโฃ contract with the U.S.Army to buildโข a line of portable nuclear reactors. These shipping container-sized reactors are intended to replace diesel generators at forwardโฃ operating bases,โฃ powering communications and providing emergencyโข backup. โค A livestream event โคon September 22 & 23 โwill feature Utah Governor Spencer โCox โฃand Idaho governor Brad Little discussing the future of nuclear power in the West;โ registration โคis available here.
Beyond technology, access to essential services is also a priority. Discussions continue regarding the implementation โขof universal child care programs to support working families across the region.
On the Oregon coast, the 20th โannual Oregon Tuna Classic recently concluded despiteโ challenging weather conditions.โค Nearly 50 teams hauled in 950 fish weighing a total of 14,000 pounds, donating โคthe bounty to nonprofits and localโ food banks.The winning tuna tipped the scales at over 24 pounds,โข demonstrating the continued success โคof this โฃannual fishing tournament and its contribution to food security.