Vast Wind Potential
The Department of Energy estimates that Pennsylvania
could easily meet 30 percent of its electricity needs through wind power, if
the state were to capitalize on its available wind energy potential.
Wind power produces no pollution, and the success of wind farms in southwest Pennsylvania proves that our state can be a leader in wind energy production. Even solar power, whose potential has scarcely been tested in Pennsylvania, could provide significant amounts of electricity for communities across the state.
Harvesting The Wind
Shifting to wind power would benefit Pennsylvania’s farmers
and rural communities. For each wind turbine on their property, farmers can
earn over $2,000 a year. In fact, a local dairy farmer in Somerset County expects
to make $3,500 a year for each of the four turbines on his property.
Wind turbines and their subsequent electricity sales also provide an added tax base for rural communities, boosting economies without threatening the landscape.
20 Percent Renewable Energy By 2020
PennEnvironment is pushing to establish a minimum clean
energy standard for Pennsylvania, requiring the state’s utilities to get 10
percent of our electricity from clean, renewable sources in 10 years, and 20
percent by 2020. If enacted into law by the State Assembly, the standard would
place Pennsylvania firmly on the path towards a clean energy future.
Unfortunately, industries who profit from dirty energy have spoken out repeatedly against renewable energy standards. One such industry, coal mining, made campaign contributions totaling nearly $3.5 million nationally in 2002 alone. To counter their influence and make sure the standards become law, PennEnvironment is working with environmentalists, farmers and health advocates. But we need your help, too.
“A minimum clean energy standard for Pennsylvania would unleash the state’s renewable energy potential—boosting rural economies across the state and providing clean, renewable energy for all Pennsylvanians. “
— Nathan Willcox Energy Advocate, PennEnvironment