Published: November 29, 2005 11:41 pm      

Our Readers Speak -- Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Wait for newer, efficient windmill technology

Do you remember when Appalachia, especially West Virginia, became a national joke when television satellite dishes were first introduced? Cartoons and news stories made light of our state’s leaders and residents for the giant dishes dwarfing many residences.

Today, in less than 10 years, those dishes are obsolete, replaced with smaller, more efficient ones doing more with less space and visual impact.

Did you know that same basic technology exists to do the same thing with wind turbines? Smaller, more efficient models are already being planned, making giant towers obsolete. Turbine companies will lose tax dollars and green credits if smaller versions become reality, but individuals and nations will greatly benefit.

Imagine, in 10 years, we could all be providing a percentage of our home’s power by a small wind turbine in our yard instead of the giant towers available today that provide very limited power and cause tremendous land destruction.

Let West Virginia’s universities, industries and leaders be at the front in developing efficient small, home and business size turbines. Subsidy money can pay West Virginians to develop clean energy answers, not outside companies to destroy our natural beauty.

A West Virginian broke the sound barrier, another developed NASA rockets, and many are industrial leaders. We can lead the world and develop more efficient ways to harness wind. Challenge the technology, physic, and scientific leaders in this state to develop a new, smaller, and more efficient turbine that can be attached to homes and towering skyscrapers. Many areas of the world are seeking this new technology, and Mountaineers can make it a reality for our nation and the world.

We stand at a crossroads. Will we take the quick buck and pay outsiders to ruin our state’s scenery with today's giant, inefficient windmills or will we take the challenge and create jobs and opportunities in our state by developing tomorrow’s technology? ...

Put our money to work developing better energy options instead of subsidizing today’s inefficient ones. West Virginia can become the energy capital of the world with the use of our natural resources and technology. ...



Pamela W. Edwards

Williamsburg