A recent article in the September 4 Wall Street Journal, “Renewable Energy, Meet The New Nimbys,” provides further confirmation that there is no “silver bullet” for our energy problems. When it comes to finding space for renewable projects, we are hearing a lot of people saying, “not in my backyard," also known as “nimbys.”
Complaints from environmentalists include concerns that wind turbines will cause damage to local flora and fauna -- killing sage grouse in Wyoming or the endangered kit fox and antelope-like pronghorn in California.
And, several new wind and solar projects will require transmission lines over previously clear-skied neighborhoods and green spaces.
While we iron out these issues, there is a “silver buckshot” solution. We should choose to hold a variety of energy solutions in our power portfolio -- ranging from renewable to coal, to nuclear. Acceptable solutions will be driven by technology, regional fuel/resource availability and yes, environmental concerns -- even for wind and solar.
In addition to keeping these traditional sources alive, in some states it may make more sense to invest in nuclear and clean coal where transmission line infrastructure already exists. Food for thought, here is the WSJ article. Renewable Energy, Meet the New Nimbys http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125201834987684787.html
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