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Wind Power! It comes as no surprise-North Dakota is the windiest state in the nation! Yet we are barely tapping into our potential, less than 1% of our state’s energy comes from wind; we are wasting our most plentiful resource. Clean Water Action is dedicated to bringing more wind power to North Dakota. There are a multitude of reasons to tap into this growing industry. Economic Development The wind turbine towers and blades are made right here in North Dakota, DMI in West Fargo and LM Glasfiber in Grand Forks. Farmers receive $2,500-$4,000 per year, per wind turbine for 20 years (typical wind energy lease), and they are well compensated for the use of land. The construction of wind farms is usually in rural areas. The influx of construction crews helps the neighboring town’s economies, and also there is long-term wind turbine maintenance jobs created in the area. We can export the energy we create to other states, which creates revenue for North Dakota, also other states are more willing to accept our energy if there is wind in the mix. The cost of wind power has dropped over 80% in the last 20 years (AWEA, 1999). The proposed 175 MW coal burning power plant would cost over $100 million more than a wind farm of the same capacity. Wind power costs $1 million per megawatt to develop. The cost of the energy before subsidies is as low as $.04 per kilowatt hour (kWh)-very comparable to other forms of electrical generation (AWEA, 1999). There are no external costs with wind power. The fuel is free, there are no health or environmental costs, and there are no federal subsidies given to the wind industry. The renewable energy sector creates more jobs than the fossil-fuel sector (U of CA Berkeley 2004). Environmental Benefits Wind energy does not produce air or water pollution, or create hazardous waste. Emissions from burning coal, the largest source of mercury, have contributed to fishing advisories in 44 states, including North Dakota. Mercury is a neurotoxin like lead that is toxic in very small amounts. The EPA estimates that 1 in 6 women have enough mercury in their bodies to cause damage to a fetus. The current 6 billion kWh of electricity generated by wind turbines in this country has displaced some 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide-the gas which contributes to global warming (AWEA 1999). Burning coal has been linked with causing asthma and genetic damage that can be passed to offspring (Jamestown Sun 5/14/2004). Common Myths about Wind Energy Costly! Before subsidies wind power is 3-5 cents/kWh; this is no different than a new coal plant. In addition with further development of the technology the cost will drop even more! Subsidies are mentioned regarding wind-however we give billions of dollars to the oil and coal industry (Federal Energy Bill), both of which are well established industries! Transmission! Transmission is an issue since wind farms are installed in rural areas. However, our grid needs to be upgraded anyway; we need to decide if we want coal or wind power going through the lines. Other states will not be as likely to accept our energy, unless there is wind in the mix. Other states have faced the same problem with transmission, and wind power has been successful anyway! Also, North Dakota’s Industrial Commission will ask lawmakers this legislative session for authority to finance construction of new transmission lines, possibly hundreds of millions of dollars (Jamestown Sun 9/23/04). Reliability! The wind does not always blow, however we live in the windiest state in the nation. The wind only has to blow 9mph, 270 feet in the air to generate electricity. Wind energy advocates are fighting to supplement other forms of energy with wind, not take over. Bottom line the more wind we use, the less coal we have to burn-better for our environment, and conservation. What Can I Do? Email or call your elected officials to show your support for wind energy development. 1-888-NDLEGIS http://www.state.nd.us/lr/assembly/59-2005 Join Clean Water Action’s Action Network. Receive updates via email, and take action when needed, attend an event, volunteer, the possibilities are endless! Make a donation to support Clean Water Action’s efforts! Clean Water Action relies on the generosity of individuals for our funding, and your donation allows us to continue working for wind power and clean water in North Dakota! Comments/Questions: Contact: Nick Schuster, Energy Program 118 N. Broadway #316 Fargo, ND 58102 Phone: 701-235-5431 Fax: 701-235-1769 Email: ndcwa@cleanwater.org Web: www.cleanwateraction.org/nd/ |
