Maybe the proponents of renewable energy have a point: a new industry can spur economic growth, create jobs, and serve as a counterbalance to fossil fuels. That’s why wind energy is making inroads in…Texas? From the Boston Globe: “Texas is more hospitable than Massachusetts to wind farms – Economy, culture fueling a boom”
Across sparely settled, middle-of-nowhere Nolan County, Ussery is among dozens of ranchers joining an energy boom that has helped Texas surge past California as the new leader in wind power. Long known for its oil and gas riches, Texas now produces enough environmentally friendly wind power to light 600,000 homes, and more wind farms are on the way.When California couldn’t meet its energy demands, the state was forced to purchase energy from Texas (Enron) at exorbitant prices. This led to the unprecedented booting of a sitting governor and the election of an Austrian. Where will the energy come from when the crisis hits Massachusetts? Don’t bother Ted.
That's in sharp contrast with Massachusetts, where developers have struggled to complete the controversial Cape Wind project, which would put a 130-turbine wind farm off the coast of Nantucket. The project has been before Congress several times over the years -- with Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, leading the fight against it.
2 comments:
I was raised near Sweetwater. The solitary windmill is the symbol of West Texas, one every Texan would recognize. There's no question that the wind blows across those plains.
That said, the tone of this article is a little unfair to Massachuessets. To reject this sort thing would be to reject who we are as Texans.
Where will the energy come from when the crisis hits Massachusetts?
Good question, and one we will be facing in Vermont, too. We are definitely heading into a future in which local energy production is a plus and a source of security.
Regards,
Thomas O. Gray
American Wind Energy Association
www.awea.org
www.ifnotwind.org
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