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August 12, 2003

Why Alternative Energy Isn't Going to Work

Jane Galt of Asymmetrical Information points to this amusing report about celebrities from my old neck of the woods complaining about plans to build a wind farm off the coast of Nantucket.

On the one hand, it's hard to blame them for being upset that these turbines will mar what is a magnificent view of the Atlantic Ocean. But, I'd feel far more sympathetic to their plight if these weren't the same people who consistently demand that the government take away rights and property from the rest of us to support their favored causes. I'd be even more sympathetic if alternative energy weren't one of their pet causes. It is one of their causes, however, so this naked display of hypocracy deserves to be noted and the project should be permitted to go forward.

I have spoken about my own beliefs regarding the viability of alternative energy before, and I won't repeat myself here. This project represents a perfect opportunity to make at least a tiny dent in the United States' reliance on fossil fuels, as it would provide roughly 75% of the energy to power Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Because the project would be aesthetically displeasing, however, the same people who would ban the SUV if they could aren't willing to make a sacrifice of their own.

Should aesthetics be considered when preparing to begin a project like this? I think they should; America is a beautiful country, and preserving that beauty is a worthy goal. But if those aesthetic concerns are sufficient to derail this project, then they should write a close to the use of wind power as a potential energy source. The only way wind power will provide sufficient juice to really affect our use of other fuels will be through massive wind farms. Those farms are going to have to be built in open spaces over many hundreds of square miles, and they'll be eyesores no matter where you put them. Perhaps these celebrities would oppose the construction of wind farms anywhere they might spoil a beautiful view...but that returns us to my conclusion: if aesthetics is a sufficient concern to stop this project, it's sufficient to stop them all.

I have no objection to celebrities using their fame to promote their personal views. I'm doing the same thing with my blogging after all. I'm just a lot less famous. If you take a position, though, you've got to be prepared to follow it through to its logical conclusion. All these celebrities who want to block this project are sacrificing their ability to argue in favor of renewable energy from now on.

Posted at August 12, 2003 02:29 PM

Andrew Olmsted

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Comments

I wonder if people complained as loudly when power lines begain to pop up across the country when electricity first became available? Honestly, are the massive powerlines that criss cross the country, along roads, across rivers and valleys any more anti-aesthetic as wind farms?

Posted by: Rook at August 14, 2003 08:10 AM

I'd say they're a fair equivalent, actually. And while I think they can be an eyesore, they're better than the alternative. For my money, they can build power lines and windmills damn near anywhere, as long as they're cost-justified.

Posted by: Andrew at August 14, 2003 09:54 AM

Having seen quite a bit of the Netherlands by rail, one can only conclude that the Dutch figured whether it was quaint old-style windmills, or modern turbine-windmills, dotting the landscape with them is a necessity. Moving water or generating electricty, it didn't matter. Maybe those 'effete elite' would like it better if those blades were atop some 'cutesy-poo' little octagonal buildings.

Posted by: MommaBear at August 14, 2003 10:38 AM

Modern windmills are a lot better looking than huge power stations. People complain about everything including water towers in their area of town, but they would complain more without clean water or electricity. Let em complain and build the windmills anyway. You can put one in my backyard anytime.

Posted by: Mom at August 16, 2003 06:45 AM