Goal For The Green

Guest Post by Amanda Green

There are lots of factors that contribute to the changes in the cost of energy by region. Some of them are basic: homes in temperate climates require less energy for heating and cooling their homes and offices. Others are more complicated, like the lines have to be run through hard to reach areas. Usually, the first 500 feet of line is allowed, after that you are charged by the foot of additional line needed to connect to your power source. Across the board, though, both the federal government and the state government are getting involved and finding ways to reduce the near astronomical costs of energy.

The Northeast

In the Northeast, many states are jumping on the natural gas bandwagon. The federal government is giving homeowners tax breaks if they switch from fuel based energy to natural gas. Natural gas is also less regulated than traditional power supplies which mean that people have more choices as far as which companies they’d like to do business with. Websites like www.ohiogascompanies.com and others like it have been built to help consumers figure out which company and energy option is right for their homes and companies.

The South

The south is a particularly problematic area. It looks fine on the outside—mostly flat lands, it’s easy to get around, and the cost of living is cheap. Unfortunately the weather systems in the south make keeping energy flow consistent difficult. Hot and humid temperatures force families and businesses alike to spend lots of money on the cooling of their homes.

This part of the country is also famous for its residents’ denial of the existence of climate change so energy consumption is at an all time high. This has led to the development of the Southern States Energy Board, which is made up of government officials from across sixteen different southern states and is working on finding efficient and environmentally sound ways to get power to the states in this region.

The West

The west coast has earned a reputation for being “super green”. With Hoover Dam in Nevada, massive wind farms in Washington, Oregon, California and the formation of the Western Governors Association (which is working to find environmentally safe and friendly energy sources for nineteen states as well as three US island territories). The reputation for being “green,” has been well earned. In 2009 the group used US stimulus funds to develop and expand on alternative energy futures and the creation of “Western Renewable Energy Zones.”

A lot is being done all over the country to slowly but surely reduce the country’s need for oil and petroleum based electricity, while bringing renewable and alternative energy sources into areas that have traditionally shunned them. It’s slow work but it’s steady. Every day, thanks to efforts like these, we are working toward many better tomorrows, as the country gets greener and greener.

Washington voters passed Initiative 937, also known as the Energy Independence Act, back in 2006.  According to this law, the state’s energy utilities must obtain 15 percent of their power from”appropriately sited” energy facilities by the year 2020.

The problem with Initiative 937, is the term “appropriately sited,” because it has not been clearly defined, so therefore, it has been grossly ignored.  Due to the poorly defined wording, the door has been opened to developers, planning on taking advantage of huge government subsidies.  Some developers, have NO regard for the voters, or the controversy that will arise, from placing industrial scale wind energy projects in very inappropriately  sited areas.

Indian petroglyphs in Columbia River Gorge near The Dalles Dam. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At the heart of this controversy, is the Whistling Ridge Project, that has been proposed along the rim of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This year, marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of this National Scenic area, which has been ranked by National Geographic Traveler, as sixth internationally, and second nationally among sustainable tourist destinations.

The area is one of the crown jewels of the entire Pacific Northwest, and brings in more than a million visitors yearly, from all over the world. The visitors expect to see these world class views, that are unique to our region.

The Whistling Ridge Project, would line the Columbia Gorge with 430 foot wind turbines, that would be visible for miles, taking away much of the scenic views, that people come to see and appreciate.  It would also harm wildlife, unique to the region, by removing hundreds of acres of forested habitat.  To top it off, the Whistling Ridge Project, would cost more money than it would even begin to benefit anyone who lives within the area. The projects average power capacity would only be 25 megawatts of power generated, as compared to 17,000 megawatts, already being generated by existing projects in Washington and Oregon,  and that are located in more wide open appropriate areas.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are not lacking in the area of wind energy production.  Infact, we currently produce so much wind energy here, that a vast majority of it is distributed to California.

In most instances, I am a supporter of renewable energy and laws and policies that support their development.  However, in this case here in Washington, we do not need this particular project.  It implies a high cost to the environment, the economy, and to tourism in the area, and it would greatly harm one of our regions greatest natural assets.

While all states have their own unique beauty and treasures, The Whistling Ridge Project, shows an inappropriate use of funds, resources and land. It should not be allowed to move forward, because it is a prime example of unintended misuse of current energy laws and policies that have gone horribly awry.

As of today, our Governor Christine Gregoire, has approved this wind farm project as a source for jobs in the area.  Currently, area citizens are planning an appeal. Your thoughts and comments on this topic are appreciated, as we work toward a better tomorrow.