Solar Power Outrage!

I just read an article about Senator Dianne Feinstein and how she’s objecting to solar and wind projects in the Mojave Desert. Nineteen companies have filed applications granting permission to develop solar power and wind power generation facilities on 500,000 acres of the Mojave Desert. Senator Feinstein is trying to block that development from ever happening.

I have a serious problem with the hypocritical approach taken by some of these politicians that scream for alternative energy and a departure from fossil fuels while blocking projects like this. I have to agree with California Governor Schwarzenegger who recently said: “If we cannot put solar power plants in the Mojave desert, I don’t know where the hell we can put it.” At what point do we finally decide to compromise some of our protected real estate for the better good of the environment?

Am I crazy? Do any of you agree with her stance on this issue? The desert has it’s charm and certainly it’s own eco system that we should try to protect. However, it’s not likely that many of will live in the desert and I’d rather see this land used to generate clean energy than to leave it un-developed while we struggle to find a better way.

4 Comments Already

greg Said,

May 23rd, 2009 @12:56 pm

Like everything, there’s gotta be a balance. We surely won’t put solar panels over 100% of the desert no more than we would ruin the beauty and flora/fauna of the desert if we were to put a wind or solar farm there.

It is often frustrating that we polarize to the extremes instead of looking in the gray areas for a compromise. As Michael Scott would say, we need a ‘win/win/win.’

Alison Moore SMith Said,

June 6th, 2009 @11:32 pm

This would count as one of the few times I actually agree with Schwarzenegger.

Truth is, I think this is more of a “not in my backyard” issue than anything. It’s OK to scream for anything–as long as it doesn’t PERSONALLY affect the politicians or those who vote for them.

John Porriello Said,

June 19th, 2009 @2:14 pm

This is akin to Ted “the killer” Kennedy not wanting wind turbines off the coast of Cape Cod because he may see them in the far off distance. Why the voters keep voting these scum back in to office is beyond me. I really can’t complain too much because I live in CT and am a proud member of Dump Dodd and a supporter of Peter Schiff for Dodd’s Senate seat.

If ever there was a time to become politically active, now is the time.

Renewable Ray Said,

July 26th, 2009 @9:09 am

These politicians are criminal. I am from the desert southwest and if any company is willing to invest money in any kind of business, especially a clean technology, in this god forsaken desert and it’s living conditions we need to make Washington stand aside. Somehow, someway.