Wind energy the responsible choice

As a fifth-generation Vermonter, originally from the Northeast Kingdom, I don’t understand why there is so much opposition to wind energy. When I think about wind compared with other forms of energy, especially nuclear and fossil fuels, and I think about the legacy we’re leaving for future generations, I believe wind is the responsible choice.

Electricity generation is the nation’s largest source of air pollution. Up to 25 percent of Vermont lakes contain fish that exceed the EPA standards for mercury. Over 50 percent of our high elevation blue spruce trees have been destroyed by acid rain. Is this acceptable collateral damage from our continued reliance on coal? Next to nuclear, the environmental impacts of wind pale in comparison. I hate that we’re rolling the dice with the lives of people who live in a 50-mile radius of Vermont Yankee. What if a massive flood or tornado were to damage the reactor? These are not predictable disasters, but neither was the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

As a native Vermonter, I understand the person who says, “I don’t want outside developers reaping the profits from our natural resources.” I also understand the desire to protect our natural places. At the same time, we need the jobs that clean energy development can provide. Between the Deerfield, Sheffield and Kingdom Community Wind projects, roughly 500 new jobs have been created. Now, we’ve got to find ways to fund those projects ourselves.

Before another wind opponent takes aim at wind’s “aesthetics,” I ask him to reflect on the facts above. Perhaps he may just grow to like those beacons of hope for our future.

Louis Prue

Hinesburg