Tradeoffs

When it comes to tackling the huge challenge of identifying viable options for renewable energy resources, there are hidden costs in most of the options currently being proposed. With large government subsidies helping to seed investment in ethanol, farmers in Iowa may be some happy campers. But for the dairy farmers or cattle ranchers who buy corn for their livestock, they all of a sudden have met some fierce competition. The result – the commodity market has seen explosive growth. For most of us, we’ve felt that in our grocery bill.

This brings me to the debate facing many landowners here in Texas regarding wind farms. A recent article in the Austin-American Statesman cited the lack of regulation in the wind farm industry in this state (the United States #1 provider of wind energy), equating it to the oil rush 100 years ago. Most recently, the debate has made its way to the Texas Hill Country. Energy providers would like to build a series of wind farms in Texas’ Hill Country. Known more for its picturesque hills than its wind, many landowners have put up a fight and won.

Tradeoffs. I have to agree with the landowners in the Hill Country who fought this battle. The Hill Country is a popular tourist destination known for the rolling hills, wildflowers, quaint towns, and wildlife (much of which serves the hunting industry). Sure, this sounds like the traditional debate, “I support it, but I don’t want it in my backyard.” But take a quick look at wind data in Texas, which suggests there are more responsible and profitable locations for wind farms across the state. I lived in one area for a couple of years – the Panhandle – where the wind never seems to stop blowing.

My hope in this quest for renewable energy resources is that responsibility, not just profitability, is at the forefront of these debates. Let’s hope that responsible decision making doesn’t go blowin’ in the wind. Some tradeoffs will be needed as we chase renewable energy sources. At least the chase has begun…
Image courtesy of the TX General Land Office

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