There are great opportunities for the use of wind power in Rhode Island. Governor Carcieri has presented an energy agenda for capitalizing on those opportunities:
Secure Renewable Energy Resources for Rhode Island
Of the many forms of renewable energy alternatives available, wind shows the most promise. Wind power is clean, green power that is not subject to variations and increases in fuel price. Thirty-four states already have wind energy projects. Between 1981 and 2004, installed capacity increased from 10 megawatts to 6,740 megawatts nationwide. Wind currently provides 20 percent of electric power in Denmark and almost 5 percent in Germany. Rhode Island must explore this option. The State Energy Office, in cooperation with the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), has already begun an effort to facilitate the development of wind power in Rhode Island. Ultimately, Governor Carcieri hopes that 15 percent of Rhode Island’s electricity demand will be supplied by environmentally progressive wind power.
We don't have oil. We don't have coal. We don't have natural gas - and we all know the controversies surrounding each of those uses of fossil fuel. But, we do have wind.
In who's interest is it to stop the development of wind power in Rhode Island and the region? Although it is meant as a parody, this clip from The Daily Show contains many ironic truths:
Of course, smokestacks and oil rigs are not the most aesthetically pleasing creations either. Neither are oil spills and smog.
According to John Doerr, one of the financial geniuses of Silicon Valley, green technologies are the "biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century." John Doerr spoke at TED and made this riveting presentation:
Rhode Island must take advantage of the opportunities available to it. Party politics should not impede progress that will benefit all Rhode Islanders.
The Truth is - we need it!
