Renewable?

Wind power projects are not all environmentally sound decisions! And all-electric cars are not 100% renewable or emission free!

It is great that people are starting to see the need for changes in energy use and production. But these advances are not always as good as they seem. Radio ads for new emission-free electric cars really get me. Sure, the car is not emitting anything as it drives, but it does not change the origins’ of the cars’ electricity. Unless the electricity is coming from renewable sources (that are not causing problems of their own), it is from coal or nuclear or other problematic sources.

Wind energy has been very controversial here in Vermont with several new and proposed projects. The idea of wind as a safe, environmental option has really taken off, and the method of its implementation is questioned by too few. If wind projects were planned for already developed areas, I would likely not have a problem with them. However, putting twenty turbines on a completely undeveloped ridge poses more problems than significantly altering the view. These ridge projects fragment forest areas, disturb habitat for many species, and can alter waterways all around. Wind is a great source of renewable energy, but only if it can be done in a way that does not cause other large environmental problems. 

(written 9/17/12 on Mt. Mansfield, VT)