Development must not cost us our environment
The Herald-Dispatch |Griffin Callahan, Itmann|March 17, 2007
What I would like to propose is that people of good will, who are concerned with our economy and the future of the environment, meet together to balance the needs of industry and the basic realities of environmental concerns. The state could set up a commission or panel of all interested groups in an effort to reach a compromise and then give expert advice to our Legislature.
What I would like to propose is that people of good will, who are concerned with our economy and the future of the environment, meet together to balance the needs of industry and the basic realities of environmental concerns. The state could set up a commission or panel of all interested groups in an effort to reach a compromise and then give expert advice to our Legislature.
The Legislature once again looked at wind energy policy for our fair state. King Coal now has competition on the beneficial use of our grand mountain landscape. Hey, we're open for business; come make money here. We'll do what we can to make it profitable for you, corporate America.
Yet, when the money is made and those profits are spent, what will we have left for future generations? How many ecosystems do we have? When Blair Mountain in Logan County is flattened for profit or when the Potomac Highlands are clearcut and covered with giant wind turbines, where else will we turn our eyes? There is a good reason Congress has not let the oil companies drill just anywhere in Alaska.
I agree that wind energy should be counted on as a major …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]The Legislature once again looked at wind energy policy for our fair state. King Coal now has competition on the beneficial use of our grand mountain landscape. Hey, we're open for business; come make money here. We'll do what we can to make it profitable for you, corporate America.
Yet, when the money is made and those profits are spent, what will we have left for future generations? How many ecosystems do we have? When Blair Mountain in Logan County is flattened for profit or when the Potomac Highlands are clearcut and covered with giant wind turbines, where else will we turn our eyes? There is a good reason Congress has not let the oil companies drill just anywhere in Alaska.
I agree that wind energy should be counted on as a major player in fighting greenhouse gases, but not everywhere, and certainly not in such ecologically precious areas as our highest, most beautiful mountain ranges.
The concerns of clean energy, coal production and environmental integrity are not going away. If anything, global warming, clean coal technology and the changing of West Virginia's economic diversity are all on the front burner.
What I would like to propose is that people of good will, who are concerned with our economy and the future of the environment, meet together to balance the needs of industry and the basic realities of environmental concerns. The state could set up a commission or panel of all interested groups in an effort to reach a compromise and then give expert advice to our Legislature.
How about wind energy and mountaintop removal sites working together or putting solar panels on all future government buildings, schools, etc.? I know by talking together we could avoid many of the problems and legal fights we are now facing. Working together we can be West Virginia at our best and a leader for the rest of the country.