Coffee and a Mike Tony Heller #1376
May 8, 2026
Tony Heller, a former science teacher, geologist, and climate commentator, tackles water and energy crises in the U.S. West. He discusses Southwest drought, Colorado River reservoirs, conflicts between cities and agriculture, data center and development strain on resources, and options like desalination and water reuse. Short-term fixes and regional wildfire and food impacts also come up.
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Climate Debate Shifting To Real Resource Limits
- Energy shortages and the drought are shifting the climate conversation from abstract emissions to tangible resource limits like water and power.
- Tony Heller warns green energy debates now intersect real shortages, data centers, and looming policy responses.
Flagstaff Memories From The Pandemic Start
- Tony recounts being in Flagstaff when restaurants were shut and people stripped stores of toilet paper early in the pandemic.
- He overheard students say social media wouldn't be shut down because authorities needed it to keep people scared.
Agriculture Is The Low Hanging Fruit For Water Cuts
- Agriculture consumes roughly two-thirds of Arizona's water and is the primary lever for large water-use reductions.
- Tony says reallocating or reducing agricultural Colorado River usage will drive a cities-versus-farmers conflict with national food implications.