There are myriad reasons for wanting to be rid of fossil fuel. I'm not
going into that. I don't believe there are many who don't understand, at
some level, the negativity of that type of energy. We are at a critical
juncture. There are people like those at Yestermorrow, et al, who step
beyond the rhetoric and actually do something about it. God forbid that
it may not be esthetically pleasing to some.
Guess what? We need to have some trade-offs if we are really serious
about alternative energies and not just paying lip service to the notion
because it's politically correct. We wring our hands and collectively
moan about our current situation but deny out of hand a windmill farm on
our ridges or solar panels in our yards. Could the panels at
Yestermorrow be placed in another location? Knowing what I do about
solar energy, most likely not given the limited line of sight at
Yestermorrow's property to maximize the exposure to sunlight.
If we're really serious about alternative energy, then we have to cut
some slack so it can be applied to the max. If we are going to be so
indignant about where we populate solar panels, windmills and even hydro
projects, then we're going to remain right where we are today. Why go
to the expense of installing alternative energy sources, if we have to
place them where they are minimally effective if at all?
I disagree that the actions of a few are wreaking havoc to Vermont's
countryside and the hallowed Route 100 corridor. These few are the
doers. Regulating things to infinity or trying to pursue utopia through
consensus is the paralysis that does nothing. I'd rather have visitors
to Vermont and Vermonters themselves say that this state is serious
about alternative energy. I'd rather look at an array of solar panels or
windmills than continue with our current plight of almost total
reliance on what is crippling this nation, polluting our world and, if
you believe it, a global warming factor.
The original satellite dish scenario that was used to create a negative
kneejerk reaction should be put in its proper perspective. Technology
made those original behemoths disappear, much like it will take care of
our future in renewable energy, but only if we allow these green
technologies to flourish. We have to start somewhere. Don't stifle this
progress because it looks and feels different.
Eurich lives in Warren.
