An article came across one of my news feeds recently announcing the closure of the final two coal-powered utility plants in the New England area. Ethan Dewitt of the New Hampshire Bulletin reported that the Merrimack and Schiller stations now have scheduled shutdown dates on the calendar. The utility will be transitioning these two plants over to renewable energy sources.
Here in Indiana, many publicly-owned and private utilities are working to move in the same direction. To achieve the goal of cleaner air and safer drinking water, the days of burning fossil fuels and storing coal ash in pits must end. Many of the utilities in Indiana recognize this and have put together plans to begin the transition to renewables.
Farmers and other landowners are often in favor of leasing their land out to these renewable energy installations. They can usually make a better living off the land through these leases than they can with traditional crops. And since no harm is sustained from the placement of renewable energy on the land, the energy sites can be decommissioned and the land reverted to crops again if desired, or perhaps equipment will be upgraded and a new lease put in place. These arrangements help family farms not only survive but thrive.
Negotiations are constantly in motion between landowners and the utilities working to find appropriate sites to build renewable solar or wind farms. Unfortunately, in many communities, there is pushback against these sites, especially if farmland is being used. People often have misconceptions that renewable energy destroys farmland and so they fight installations. In some instances, landowner plans are overruled by such arguments and family farms suffer due to missed opportunities. Communities as a whole also lose out since pollution levels remain high, global warming continues, potential tax savings, economic growth, and jobs are lost.
Energy solutions seem to be as divisive as politics these days. In the meantime, the clock is ticking and global warming is becoming more and more apparent. People need to come together and learn the art of compromise and cooperation to deal with the climate crisis.
Do you have any good ideas to bring about a spirit of cooperation where renewable energy is concerned? If so, we would love to hear your ideas.
VP & Director of Sales at Green Alternatives, Inc.
Cindy started as a consultant with Green Alternatives in 2009 and has moved into her current position within the last few years. She loves meeting with potential clients, answering their questions, and ultimately designing a PV solar system that meets their needs and goals.