If the US could get more of its power from geothermal energy, would it be worth losing some treasures?

Question

As a purely hypothetical example, if three large cities could be powered by paving over Yellowstone and harnessing all its energy, would it be worth it?

Answer 1

In the long run I think it would be worth it. Although I think hardly anyone is going to want to pave over Yellowstone.

Answer 2

We could pump water down in Yellowstone and capture the steam, pressurize it, and then turn turbines to generate electricity.  Oops!  It's a national park and we can't touch it.

Answer 3

That would be pretty expensive.

You can get a heat pump. There are pipes buried in your back yard about 3 feet down, since the ground never freezes past that point in most of America. The heat pump works like a backward air conditioner. It takes the heat out of the ground and pumps it into your house. And like the air conditioner, it's pretty expensive to use. It's very expensive to install.

Answer 4

Paving over Yellowstone would add to global warming!

Answer 5

Yellowstone is one of the natural wonders of the world.  It offers unparalleled beauty to the visitor.  Though some may have to sacrifice, we need to protect the unique and spectacular land that is Yellowstone.  Without Yellowstone . . .

Wait a minute.  We're talking about my lights, my city?

Sometimes it's necessary to sacrifice for the greater good.  Round up the trucks and start laying asphalt!

Answer 6

Is that really viable?!

There are other more sensible ways perhaps and besides, I doubt it would mean paving over it even if it were to put it use for energy.

More immagination and enginering?! Well designed? maybe!

Peace!

Answer 7

That would be a bit extreme and possibly uneccessary with continual advancements in science along those lines.  

Initially yes, I would be against it.  But if compared with all other alternatives, I could be swayed.

Answer 8

NO! I LOVE YELLOWSTONE! IT IS CHANGING ALL THE TIME!

BETTER TO HARNESS ENERGY FROM VOLCANOES IN HAWAII!