EON clarifies about wind energy

Concern over the practicality of wind energy in Connecticut and the wind industry’s effect on bird populations has been expressed. I hope to clear up any confusion about EON’s green energy campaign.

Wesleyan will not be responsible for building a wind farm in Connecticut. The University will simply purchase less energy from the traditional energy grid and turn to a renewable energy company for 20 percent of its total energy needs. These renewable energy providers are not located in Connecticut, but rather in areas of the country that have high enough wind speeds to generate significant amounts of energy.

There is validity to the concern for bird deaths caused by wind turbines. Still, the fossil fuel energy industry’s smokestacks and pollution are responsible for far more bird deaths than the wind industry. In addition, the wind industry is actively conducting research into roosting, nesting, feeding, and migration patterns in order to minimize the effects of wind farms on bird populations. This is far more of a commitment to wildlife safety than the coal and oil industries have made, in response to a far lesser danger than the coal and oil industries have posed.

Wind energy is more expensive than other energy sources, but the cost is dropping every year. Over the last 15 years, the cost per kilowatt-hour has been reduced by over 85 percent, and this trend will continue. The benefits of renewable energy far outweigh the costs. Wind farms produce no greenhouse gas emissions-a factor that becomes more and more important as we see the effects of global warming becoming apparent. Wind is a limitless domestic resource that will reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil. Wind energy projects provide economic revival to struggling rural areas through employment, land lease payments, and tax revenues.

A commitment to renewable energy is well within Wesleyan’s present financial capabilities. It is therefore our responsibility to acknowledge our impact on the world, and to take the first step in moving toward a better future.

EON, the Environmental Organizers Network, meets Mondays at 9 p.m. in the Woodhead Lounge. The last meeting for this semester is Dec. 8. All are welcome!