The issue of alternative energy sources churns much debate. If you watch the new “Planet Green” cable channel or subscribe to mainstream environmental media, you might think that anyone concerned about the environment is surely of one accord on the best way to go to save our planet; and yet there is more variation in the thinking of thoughtful, committed people than you might think.
This post is designed to be the first of several on issues in alternative energy. Please feel free to post constructive comments, as well as to contact Create WV if you represent an organization with a view point not expressed here. Our interest is the pursuit of positive dialogue on the best choices for West Virginia’s future!
West Virginia in a “Post-Coal” Future
Residents of Clear Fork, Marsh Fork and other Raleigh County areas, with the support of environmental and community organizations such as Coal River Mountain Watch, the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, Appalachian Voices (Boone, NC) and the Sierra Club, recently put forth a proposal calling for the development of an industrial-scale wind farm on Coal River Mountain. Arguments are based on its long-term economic, social and environmental benefits, especially as they relate to the short-term benefits and long-term costs that will result from proposed strip-mining operations.
Coal River Mountain lies in the heart of Coal River watershed, and is flanked on its two sides by Coal River Road and Clear Fork Road, with the Town of Whitesville located at the western edge of the mountain. In the latter months of 2006, David Orr — a professor at Oberlin College and a prominent environmental advocate and writer — worked with Appalachian voices to commission a study of the wind potential on Coal River Mountain.
The study was conducted by WindLogics, a nationally recognized wind modeling and development firm, and it showed that the ridges along Coal River Mountain exhibited strong Class 4 to Class 7 average annual wind speeds. [Note: Class 4 winds serve as a minimum threshold for industrial-scale wind development]
In terms of jobs and revenue, it was estimated that such a wind development would create over 200 local job opportunities during the 2-year construction period, as well as an estimated 40-50 permanent, direct jobs and an additional 20-30 indirect jobs for local residents related to the operation and maintenance of the turbines. Further, based on reported estimates for other proposed wind farms in West Virginia, it is expected that a Coal River Mountain wind farm would generate over $20 million in direct local spending during the two-year construction phase and approximately $2 million annually during the operation phase, as well as contribute around $750,000 annually in property taxes for Raleigh County. These economic benefits would accrue for the life of the wind farm, which, as long as the turbines are replaced every 20 years, can be forever, thus ensuring a sustainable source of jobs, income and tax revenue for decades into the future.
Rory Mcilmoil of Coal River Mountain Watch states, “It was found that Coal River Mountain has enough wind potential and land area to accommodate 220 two-megawatt wind turbines. Calculations showed that this was enough energy to power over 150,000 homes or over 90,000 total electricity customers, including residential, commercial and industrial units.” Mcilmoil claims production estimates in strip mining permits show that mining operations will last for only 14 years.
“Once the coal is gone, there will be no more jobs available, the water will be contaminated, many of the residents will have moved out or been bought out, and the forest, another source of potential jobs and revenue, will be gone for decades to come, as will the possibility of producing clean wind energy on the scale that is currently available,” he said.
– Posted by Elizabeth Damewood Gaucher
What are your thoughts on our state’s “post-coal future”? The strongest conversation will not just oppose someone else’s strategy, but will offer your own. We hope to see your post soon!
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