If you are a NEPA local then you have probably noticed the giant fanlike machines on the tops of the area’s surrounding mountains. What you see are wind turbines, and they are converting kinetic energy from the wind and turning it into mechanical energy, which produces electricity. There are several benefits to wind power. One of the more important benefits for us as consumers is that it is much less expensive then all of the other types of energy. Wind energy also benefits the economy and is considered sustainable, therefore greatly benefiting the environment.
In Pennsylvania the existing “wind farms” are in an increasing resource for energy. They are also bringing in more jobs, which is important for the struggling economy. The building and maintaining of these farms creates a lot of quality jobs for local citizens. According to the American Wind Energy Association, a 100 megawatt wind development project means 75 short-term and 45 long-term jobs in that area.
One of the benefits of wind energy for the environment is that it releases no pollution into the air or water and does not contribute to global warming at all. Wind turbines produce no carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, mercury or any other type of air pollution. Fossil fuels like coal and oil are extracted from the earth causing great damage to the environment. The turbines that create wind energy have an endless supply. If we increase Pennsylvania’s wind energy supply we can decrease the need for power plants that pollute the environment.
Larger wind farms are sometimes not welcomed in certain areas because of the visual impact they may have. Despite their size, wind turbines are one of the least problematic sources of power and have hardly any effect on the environment. According to a report from the European Commission, wind energy has the lowest external costs, the lowest damage to land and the lowest impact on human health when compared to other sources of energy.
There is also the suggestion that wind farms can destroy land but this is simply not true. Wind turbines are generally built on land that has already been impacted by land clearing. The clearing of vegetation that is required to build wind farms is minimal compared to coal mines. Wind turbines also only occupy 1/4 acre of land so the farming, ranching, forestry and any other type of land use can continue as if nothing was there.
By utilizing one of Pennsylvania’s most bountiful natural resources and turning it into clean electricity we can go a long way. The production and use of energy has more impact on the environment than just about anything else; if we can change the way we produce our energy without harming the environment, we should demand wind energy be used and take full advantage of it.
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