wind power...time for Obama/Biden to intervene

[javero]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 6:54pm

From the NY Times:

"Wind advocates say that just two of the windiest states, North Dakota and South Dakota, could in principle generate half the nation’s electricity from turbines. But the way the national grid is configured, half the country would have to move to the Dakotas in order to use the power."

Obama/Biden must win and incentivize industry, academia and state governments to help this nation move beyond its dependence on foreign fossil fuels. Revamping the "confederated" power grid must be a top priority of the new administration.

Complete article linked below.
Obama/Biden must take up the nation's energy challenge ASAP

[Taryn]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 8:08pm

I am so proud that my university has begun powering all their residential halls through wind power. I hope that it's sign of things to come for the rest of the country.

[kelzama]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 9:01pm

Here in Western PA, we have hillsides with many giant wind turbine farms. There's also a bunch of bird carcasses (including eagles and owls) under them. Evidently, the birds haven't yet figured out that the fans are there only to help.

Will the Obama/Biden plan include an Avian Reeducation Program?

[javero]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:10pm

"Will the Obama/Biden plan include an Avian Reeducation Program?"

OK I get it. There should be a federal constitutional amendment revoking states' rights to issue non-commercial driver's licenses due to the number of automobile accidents that occur on America's highways, roads and streets.

Seriously, there are always trade offs involved in advancing major public policy that potentially impacts the very underpinning of the nation's economy, the electrical grid. I don't want to see wind turbines turned into "avian cuisinarts" but the wars in Iraq & Aghanistan are both vestiges of the last World War in which the "blood bath" known as oil played a significant role.

Some of us in the first world take so much for granted at times, especially the 24/7 always-on technology that permits me to post this very message.

Just let the OPEC cabal decide to stop shipping the petroleum our way or worst still let China rush on petroleum supplies to provide electricity to the 10's of million homes over there without it presently.

We have no stomach for nuclear power generation nor interest in building domestic refineries.

What friend is your answer to revitalizing our existing electricity infrastructure in light of global hostilities connected with gods, guns and oil and the growing energy needs of China & India with their respective populations numbering in the billions?

[kelzama]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 10:33pm

Dear friend Javero:

There will be no easy answer when the worldwide economy is petroleum-based.

Just wanted to see how much green you're willing to sacrifice to pursue cleaner energy, since tapping domestic oil fields, expanding nuclear energy, and giving corporate incentives (read LOWER tax rates) for energy exploration and alternative fuel development, generally isn't in the liberal playbook.

Wind turbines are ugly, noisy, lethal to wildlife. That said, they generate a heck of a lot of megawatts. So sure, it's a great solution. How about we put these behemoths (230' wingspan each) in your backyard farm and forest land instead of mine?

Nice to know you're willing to lose the bald eagle and great horned owl, among others, for the sake of your laptop, though.

[javero]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 1:49pm

"How about we put these behemoths (230' wingspan each) in your backyard farm and forest land instead of mine?"

I wanted to wait until McCain named a running mate before responding. Hate to be morbid but it's coming down to caribou versus bald eagle. It will boil down to which animal forks over the most cash to K St lobbyists.

If McCain/Palin are in, it's off to the meat grinder caribou.

If Obama/Biden are in, it's easy bird pickings for the local wolf and fox populations.

Updated On: 8/29/08 at 01:49 PM

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 1:56pm

i know you posted this just for me, jav, so i will try not to disappoint:

joltin' joe could provide - by himself in one speech - twice the wind of any windfarm ever planned. plus since it's hot air, it could be captured to power steam tubines.

joltin' joe: the answer to american's energy crisis - "from his lips to your furnace"

[javero]

Posted: 8/29/08 at 2:07pm

and you took the bait LOL.