News

Minnesota must increase renewable energy options

 

By SARAH WEINBERGER

Pioneer Press, MN

April 9th, 2006

 

As another Minnesota summer approaches, I reminisce about the stifling, muggy days we experienced last summer — but then flash back to the yellow, putrid haze that sometimes smothers the sun's rays.

 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reports that during 2004 the air quality index in the metro area rose seven times to a level that was unhealthy for sensitive groups. To improve air quality, Minnesotans must begin implementing more renewable energy sources.

 

As a 20-year-old college student, I can only hope that we take initiative so that future generations will have the opportunity to breathe fresh air. During the days with a poor air quality index, people with sensitive respiratory systems are advised to remain indoors. Such advisories force my father, Steve Weinberger, a longtime asthma sufferer, out of his garden and into our air-conditioned home.

 

Adverse health effects. Poor air quality aggravates asthma and contributes to other adverse health effects such as irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, lungs and heart. Pollutants include ozone, sulfur dioxide, fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide — most of which originate from coal-burning power plants.

 

Black Dog power plant, which burns low-sulfur western coal and natural gas, is located near our home in Burnsville. From our front yard, we can see the disheartening clouds of heavy smoke that billow from the smoke stacks. Recent improvements to the Black Dog plant have reduced emissions, and the plant now functions below permit levels. But even emission levels below legal limits can have adverse consequences.

 

Erin Saupe, a student at the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, believes that the U.S. puts too little emphasis on finding and utilizing alternative energy sources. Saupe has conducted research with the U.S. Geological Survey regarding renewable energy sources and the remaining stores of fossil fuels in the U.S.

 

"If we do not begin implementing renewable energy sources, we can expect our natural gas supply to diminish in about 30-40 years and our coal supply to diminish," Saupe said. "These resources will also become increasingly expensive as demand increases."

 

Thaddeus Dyman, a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, says that implementing an energy mix is the most practical way to phase out fossil fuels and introduce renewables to our economy. "It may take 10-20 years to get renewable energy sources online," Dyman said. "It will take time to shift our economy so that people aren't socially and economically devastated."

 

Dyman estimates that it may take 10 to 20 years to implement renewable energy sources. "We need to begin using a variety of different resources now or we may face an energy crisis in 10 to 20 years," Dyman said. "By implementing an energy mix, we can slowly phase out fossil fuels and introduce renewables."

 

Consumer choices. The average homeowner in Minnesota uses approximately 600 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month, and most of this energy is produced by coal and natural gas power plants. There are other consumer choices, though.

Xcel Energy, for example, offers a program called Windsource. Windsource, which involves the harvesting of wind, offers a convenient, practical alternative to fossil fuels. The program is a great starting point for homeowners who'd like to make a difference but who aren't sure where to begin. With Windsource, homeowners have the option to purchase blocks of 100 kilowatt-hours of wind power at a rate of $2 per block. The proceeds from this program will support wind energy production.

By enhancing alternatives in the overall energy mix, we can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and preserve our resources.

 

Americans are using energy at an incredible rate, and we have never been more dependent on fossil fuels. Not only do pollutants from fossil fuels harm humans, they lead to global warming and acid rain. According to Xcel Energy, any customer who purchases 400 kilowatt-hours of wind power a month can have the same air-quality effect as planting a two-acre forest. We all need to do our part to preserve our natural environment, a source of Minnesota's identity, economic health and pride.

Weingberger of Burnsville is a junior at the College of St. Benedict.