Wind turbines generate more than clean energy

photo credit: Biggunben

Its a common fault of busy people – leaving tasks for someone else. School district needs money? Someone else will organize the effort.  Parks and playgrounds need to have graffiti cleaned up?  Someone else will see that it gets done.  Renewable energy projects are going before your local commission for a hearing?  Someone else will be there.

If energy independence in this country is to ever be a reality, you’ll have to be part of that someone else that supports community-based distributed generation projects.  The truth is that most renewable energy developers need broad-based citizen support for proposed projects.  All the media has to do is publish one short story about a proposed wind farm and opposition comes streaming out of the woodwork.  Concerns can range from alleged aesthetic impacts to sage grouse habitat.  There will always be a group shouting, “Not In My Backyard.”  You cannot assume that a developer’s resources will be enough to allow it to successfully obtain approval against these NIMBY organizations.

Imagine a sea of support for renewable energy development

photo credit: Berd Whitlock

If you are concerned about global warming and economic security, then why not spearhead a “Build Baby Build” campaign in support of proposed distributed generation projects?  Don’t have a clue how to do this?  Here is an outline of what you can do:

1. Get the basic facts about the proposed project – location, size, developer, and – most importantly – when and where a public hearing will be held.  Often, only a month or two will pass between submission of an application for a distributed generation project, and the hearing at which it will be considered.
2. Ask three close friends or colleagues to help you make telephone calls, emails and spread the word in favor of the proposal.  You will need to do this as a concerted effort at least 4 times in a one month period.
3. Write letters to the governmental agency or municipality that is considering the project, in support of the proposal.  A written record will be developed, and your submissions will be preserved as part of the record.  The more letters submitted, the better.  Just make sure to support them with facts, as well as your passion.
4. Urge your contacts to attend the public hearing with you.  Do not rely on “someone else” to be there.  You must attend to have your voice heard.  Sign in, if required, and be sure to respect any time constraints on your public testimony.
5. Organize your group around a single theme, like “Build Baby Build.”  Wearing buttons or t-shirts can help provide unity to an otherwise diverse gathering.  It is powerful for elected officials to look out into the audience at a sea of support for the proposed community-based project.

Do you think you could make an investment of about 40 hours total over a month or two in the name of renewable energy?  Distributed generation developers can use your help – not someone else.

The planet is waiting.

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