Posted by Jonathan Adler:
Alternative Energy v. Wilderness Preservation:
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2009_03_22-2009_03_28.shtml#1238028791
Environmental advocates are learning that there is no free lunch, and
that even alternative energy production can involve serious
environmental trade-offs. [1]From the NYT:
As the Obama administration puts development of geothermal, wind
and solar power on a fast track, the environmental movement finds
itself torn between fighting climate change and a passion for
saving special places. . . .
�We are learning and understanding the trade-offs between things,
and they are hard,� said Pam Eaton, deputy vice president of the
public lands campaign of the Wilderness Society, who has been
working to bridge gaps between environmentalists.
�You�ve got the short-term impact of a project versus a long-term
problem, which is climate change,� Ms Eaton said.
In the Mojave, the biggest fight centers on high-voltage lines that
are needed to reach areas where energy will be produced. The likely
spots are separated from customers by two large national park
properties, several wilderness areas and military bases like the
Twenty Nine Palms Marine Corps reservation.
Finding a route for a project called Green Path North, which
traverses those installations, fragile ecosystems and angry
communities, has been difficult. One path �goes right between my
house and the mountains,� Mr. Harvey said.
References
1. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/24/science/earth/24ecowars.html
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