Energy debate needs facts
Burlington Free Press | Feb. 5, 2013 | www.burlingtonfreepress.com
There are many different opinions out there regarding the energy debate. This creates an immediate problem. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but in cases such as energy, they can be wrong.
Energy is about facts; the mathematics and the science behind it should be transparent – just like we can all agree that 2+2=4. Many politicos, energy bloggers, lobbyists and environmentalists forget to do one simple thing when they talk about energy, check the facts. They need to check all the facts, not just those which support their claim.
If policymakers are serious about cutting carbon emissions, reducing impacts on land use and providing constant, reliable power, then they should really do some math.
The hyped “green” energy sources such as wind and solar don’t provide what the economy demands – constant, always-on power. They only provide power when it is windy or sunny and even then the amount supplied is variable. Putting in a wind farm can destroy a mountain ridge. First there is the construction. Then there are the aesthetic and noise problems, and don’t forget that new electricity transmission lines will need to be built.
Sure there are still matters of opinion that are relevant to the energy debate. But the math and the numbers don’t lie. Let’s not waste resources on things we know won’t work. Let’s get informed.
KYLE SALA
South Burlington
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/02/05/energy-debate-needs-facts/