Power of Storms on Our Side for a Change

Wind Turbines are becoming more popular as alternate energy source. Many experts believe that wind energy can supply around 20% of the world’s need in energy. Besides being a cost effective source of energy, wind energy is also a cleaner more green source of energy.

There are many economic reasons to support the growing shift to wind energy. First, it revitalizes rural communities. Wind turbines can add a new tax base to rural economies that before had collected nothing. The wind turbines also collect property tax revenue as well as lease payments to land owners. Payments made to lease land which the turbines are placed tend to stay in the community. Adding thousands of dollars to a rural economy just in lease payments can make an overnight difference.

The price of wind energy is also stable: While the price of oil fluctuates greatly resulting in daily gas price changes, the price of wind energy is consistant. Wind is free and always will be free. The only costs are in the infrastructure and maintenance of the turbines.

Wind turbines also support agriculture: The turbines can be installed in agricultural fields without interfering in the output. They also give local ownership to the turbines. Because small number of turbines can be placed in rural areas, they are affordable by local landowners. The energy output means less natural gas and oil being imported from out of the area. This allows local dollars to stay local.

More green benefits of the wind turbines are cleaner water and air: Turbines do not create emissions that can get into water sources such as lakes and streams. Wind energy is pollution free, so there is no smog associated with them. In the burning of fossil fuels, the air can become polluted. Wind turbines keep the air fresh.

Uitilizing wind energy is also important for energy independance. A good percentage of oil is imported from the Middle East region. Volatility in that area of the world means highly fluctuating oil and gas prices. By utilizing wind energy, we are less dependant on foreign oil. Wind energy also means less nuclear power plants. There is no fear of a meltdown of terrorist attack when using wind turbines.

Jeffrey Marshall is a writer working toward obtaining his gis certificate to help with city planning.