A renewable resource that is becoming more common in many states is the use of wind. This resource could become very prominent with adequate technology, and I believe that is is something that Nebraska should implement more. With its vast rural areas, large farms, and its high average wind speed, it would be perfect place for this new type of energy to be implemented.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Nebraska is ranked fourth for wind potential. The issue is that our state's government makes it very difficult to make wind energy a big deal in Nebraska. It really bothers me that we are not taking advantage of a clean, unlimited resource that we have such great potential for. Other states such as Iowa, which have a similar wind potential to Nebraska, are utilizing this wonderful resource. I believe that we should follow in the footsteps of more progressive states instead of focusing on a pipeline that transports a nonrenewable resource.
Renewable Energy in Nebraska
I agree wind energy is very important and Nebraska should be looking into it and being more productive with it instead of stalling. It's sad and ironic that Wyoming has more wind farms then we do, and we keep buying coal from them. When we could be using our own free and clean energy.
ReplyDeleteWe continue to use coal and nuclear power because they supply steady amounts of electricity to meet demands. Wind power is less reliable and supplies less energy. In addition, wind power is not very economical in Nebraska because we have very cheap electricity rates due to our public power system. It would take years to pay off one windmill. I agree that wind power is a good idea, it just has limited potential.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the impacts of wind turbines on landscapes, wildlife, and noise?
ReplyDeleteI understand that meeting the demands for energy in this state cannot be done complete by wind, but something that we do need to think about is the fact that fossil fuels will not be available to us forever. Implementing wind energy now will help us find out how we can address some of the environmental issues it causes, change the turbines to better suit the environment, and work on the technology to make them more efficient. I am not saying that Nebraska needs to be completely wind powered in the next decade, I am saying that is something to move towards to benefit our future.
ReplyDeleteThe environmental impacts of wind turbines are something to think about as well. and I should have addressed that originally. There are affects on birds, the noise can be annoying, and landscapes will be changed, but fossil fuels have their own wildlife effects that exceed those of wind, the smog they cause is annoying and a health hazard, and the landscapes are changed by fossil fuel sources as well. If you look at all of the smog pouring out of a coal plant, it makes a wind turbine look much more appealing.
Wind turbines do appear to be the more positive alternative to fossil fuels but there are a few issues still involved with placing wind turbines in Nebraska. The greatest of the issues is not the effect on wildlife but the wear and tear that would occur on the equipment of the turbine. When the wind is blowing too strong, wind turbines shut off to avoid burning out all the equipment. Since Nebraska is very windy, this proposes an issue of just how much the turbines would actually be turned on and not shut off because the winds are too strong. Of course wildlife is also an issue when you consider predatory birds such as a hawk. These birds sit on high perches to seek out prey. We've already places telephone and electrical wires in their domain and now we'd be adding an even more dangerous giant pole in their domain. Perhaps wind energy is the lesser of two evils, but at what cost to Nebraska? Vicki makes a good point about the cost of electricity here in Nebraska. Economically, wind power doesn't exactly even out. Just because the potential is there in numbers, doesn't mean in reality the potential exists.
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