Helen Waller
CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
As a farmer from eastern Montana , my viewpoint on energy development in Montana is influenced by my concern for people who live and make a living on land that sits over the coal, oil, and gas. The merits of technologies that convert coal to diesel fuel are only a part of the debate. The issue of negative economic, environmental, and social impacts of strip mining must factor in to our decision-making.
Thirty years ago, as now, high energy costs prompted plans to build a synthetic fuels “bridge” to the time when renewable energy sources were a viable alternative. At that time, the U.S. relied on foreign imports for just over one third of its oil. Today, dependence has grown to 56 percent, imported mostly from not-so-friendly countries. Our national security is at risk and begs for a plan that would chart the way to energy security. There is no simple answer, and because of the diverse energy needs, we should expect these requirements to be met from multiple sources.
At the federal level, Congress has passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which provides increased incentives to the oil industry, coal-to-fuel projects, as well as renewable energy sources.
While improved technology for coal-to-fuel is on the drawing board and demonstration projects will follow, it is not a “quick-fix” solution. Today’s coal technology is plagued with pollution problems—solid, liquid and airborne. We look forward to technology that would address these problems. But no matter how clean it may prove to be, that does not address the negative impacts of coal strip mining on our land and water.
Clean energy from the land
During the past three decades, improved clean energy technology has brought us new generation wind power, biofuels made from plant feedstock, energy efficient technologies, and simple conservation measures that are cost effective, reliable, and environmentally sound.
Montana ’s wind resource is rated fifth in the nation. The wind farm at Judith Gap will produce 135 megawatts of electricity at a cost less than NorthWestern Energy customers currently pay. Local residents and county officials are understandably supportive of the development that has brought an economic lift and good paying jobs to their area.
According to the Nation Biodiesel Board, production and consumption of biodiesel is expected to jump from 25 million gallons in 2004 to 75 million gallons in 2005. Oilseed crops are, and can be, grown in a wide region of the country, providing diversity in crop choices, and contributing significantly to local economies.
The states of Minnesota , North Dakota , Nebraska , Missouri and Iowa are aggressively pursuing a biodiesel economy. Public support of the use of biodiesel is a contributing factor, since it can fuel any standard diesel engine with little if any modification yet produces much fewer particulate emissions. We need our elected leaders to aggressively pursue the economic and environmental benefits of renewable resources.
Stone Age didn’t end for lack of stones
The Stone Age didn’t end because people ran out of stones! They found better ways of doing things. That fossil-fuel bridge called for in the ‘70s never materialized—now there are better ways. Improved technology has brought us to the era of renewable energy sources.
It is time to chart an energy course for the United States that is clean, reliable, affordable, and decentralized, and that can provide jobs and prosperity to numerous rural communities throughout this country.
Listen to Helen Waller's keynote address at WORC's 25th Anniversary.
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