In a move that could pit environmentalists and alternative energy industries against each other, the senator wants hundreds of thousands of acres in California designated as a national monument. Full Story »
Posted by Derek Hawkins
A well sourced report on the proposal to put Wind Turbines in the Mojove Desert. If the Senator doesn't want them there, how does she feel about thousands of them off-shore. Millions of people who live on the coasts think they are an eye-sore. How would you like to drive Highway 1, one on the most beautiful drives in California, and have to watch these huge turbines.? What will end up happening, as always, they will hook little turbines to the heads of poor people, because as we already know, they have no one to look after them. I guess the solar panels will be put on bald poor people. We sure don't want to ruffle the feathers of the powerful in D.C.
If environmental projects are going to work, everybody is going to have to give up something, or get nothing.
Informative article about proposed solar power installations in the Mojave Desert, which are opposed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein. This article provides a factual, fair and well-sourced overview of this controversy, citing factual evidence and perspectives from multiple stakeholders to provide context on this issue.
The article uncovers more unanswered questions than it answers. It does mention Feinstein's position of influence on the appropriations subcommittee. Her wealth and economic interests did not seem to invite interest.
Some scenic and environmental sites perhaps should be protected if there is evidence of particular harm. But if the planet fries, there won't be viewers or viewees for the wonderment. Conservation and population control need priority. Solar panels SHOULD be in urban areas to simplify demands on the grid.
Solid, balanced report of varied perspectives on proposed solar/wind power generation site in the California desert, specifically a conflict between renewable energy and environmental protection in a large, remote area of the Mojave Desert in southeast California. Would benefit from additional information about the potential for green energy production, the environmental impacts of establishing and maintaining the generation and transmission infrastructure, and the risks to wildlife and the desert ecology. Related "Measure B" and "Wilderness Protection Bill" links add valuable depth to the report. Of particular interest is the "Measure B" plan to install solar collection panels across Los Angeles, thereby co-locating ... More »
While I believe that the nationwide power grid is an important component in what should become a comprehensive national energy strategy, I also believe that the brightest future options lie in small-scale local cogeneration installations in all possible places. Is it possible that opposition comes from the investor-owned utilities that profit from aging, gigantic scale power networks within their control? If the sun does, indeed, shine equally on the whole planet, more or less, and ... More »
Feinstein disputed that she is engaged in a not-in-my-backyard campaign. “I’m a strong supporter of renewable energy and clean technology — but it is ... More »
The extended conflagration of energy developers against preservationists finds fuel in the desert. The story is well-sourced, but with a conservative bias. The conflict may be less than meets the eye, with mutual respect for habitat expressed by both sides. There needs to be a national effort to survey lands if a renewable energy future can be constructed, and the article needs biologists to weigh in on what the costs will be if desert areas are "sacrificed" for the greater good.
Americans' profligate wasteful use of energy will doom much more of our environment unless enlightened self-interest or the strictures of depression prevail.
Where else?, There are hundreds of thousands of acres on already restricted and develp[ed spaces on military reservations, airports and building tops which could serve as platforms for solar and wind. These have the added benefit of already being connected to the grid. This is little different than our mineral rights being developed under us except that we have not seen real value in this resourse previously.
This examines the conflicting interests and aims of environmentalists, energy companies and lawmakers in a fair, factual and nuanced way. Very informative.
Retrieving Comments
