Weather hazards impact the entire country, with enormous effects on the economy and public safety. Since 1980, weather/climate disasters have cost the U.S. economy more than $1 trillion.[1] Several billion-dollar weather/climate disasters affect the United States in an average year.[2]
The Energy Information Administration Energy Mapping System provides an interactive map of U.S. power plants, pipelines and transmission lines, and energy resources. Using the map tool, users can view a selection of different map layers displaying the location and information about:
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Resources Data System catalogs information about mineral resources around the United States and the world. Using the map tool, users can zoom in to obtain reports and data on past and present mines, mine prospects, and processing plants.
All of the data can be downloaded for further use and analysis.
Note: Surf Your Watershed was recently decommissioned. EPA is working on a replacement application. We will direct users to that application when it becomes available.
Ground shaking is the most powerful predictor of damage from an earthquake. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Seismic Hazard Map shows the strength of ground shaking that has a 1 in 50 chance of being exceeded in a particular place in the lower 48 states over a period of 50 years. These maps are used in determining building seismic codes, insurance rates, and other public decisions.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) map of current and planned geothermal power production by state shows the nameplate capacity, the maximum manufacturer-rated output of a generator in megawatts, for geothermal energy in each state as of February 2015 (for more detailed and up-to-date information on geothermal energy development in the U.S., visit NREL's Geothermal Prospector web app). The numbers in white show the current installed capacity, while the numbers in yellow show the planned additions.
The Critical Issues Forum “America’s Increasing Reliance on Natural Gas: Benefits and Risks of a Methane Economy” will be held in Fort Worth, Texas from November 19-20, 2014.