Is it cost effective?
Alternative energy has to be affordable as well as green to gain widespread acceptance. Wind power can be produced for about 5 cents per kilowatt hour; the same as natural gas. Coal and wood power are both slightly less expensive, but the savings are not worth the damage to the environment. Additionally, once an expensive coal plant is constructed, we are committed to continuing use of that plant throughout its productive life. Conversely, resources that would be used to build expensive, legacy coal plants can be reallocated quickly to wind power.
Is there enough capacity available?
If a person reviews the MSNBC wind energy map, it is clear that not all areas of the country are suited for generation of wind power. If we saturate those areas that are suitable for wind power generation, then the US has the ability to develop an additional 600 gigawatts of wind power, which is equal to about 60% of our current usage. (Provey, 26). Coal currently provides just over 50% of our current usage. Therefore, as demand increases and older coal plants end their useful life, we should be using the available wind power to fill the gap.
How much will it reduce greenhouse gases?
If we reach our industry’s goal of having 20% of our country’s energy supplied by wind in 20 years, it would be equivalent to taking 140 MILLION cars off the road (Provey, 26).
Are there any other benefits?
In today's economy, unemployment is an increasing concern. Wind power can help us provide employment across a broad geographic area. This not only benefits those who are directly involved in the wind industry, but will also create jobs in supporting business such as trucking and manufacturing firms. By reaching the goal of 20% of our country’s energy supply from wind would create 500,000 jobs (Arrandale, 58). Overall, this would contribute over 1.5 billion dollars to communities annually.
All US citizens should demand that our country allocate its resources
toward wind power and away from coal power generation.
