Alternative energy moratorium right move for now

Red Willow County Commissioners were wise in their decision to place a moratorium on alternative energy projects in the county, for several reasons.

For one, the county needs to have all its ducks in a row when it comes to zoning for technologies changing as quickly and being adapted as quickly as solar and wind energy.

For another, it gives time for adjoining landowners and other members of the public to have their say about major changes that may be coming to their neighborhood.

Third, it allows a consulting firm hired by the county time to provide answers to important zoning questions.

While the county has been most involved in the Premier Energy proposal which is entirely under county jurisdiction, city officials face similar questions with the McCook Solar project which falls under both county and city regulation.

State Sen. Tom Brewer has been a vocal opponent of alternative energy, specifically wind turbines and the infrastructure to transmit their power in his district in the sandhills, and continues to offer legislation limiting it in this session.

Specifically, he sees the use of direct federal payments and the use of eminent domain for alternative energy as immoral and advocates public hearings for more transparency in the process of granting permits.

It’s true that the Inflation Reduction Act, which really does nothing to reduce inflation, provided new impetus for the development of alternative energy in Nebraska, but does it really make sense for the Cornhusker state?

Nebraska, largely dependent on fossil fuels such as coal from Wyoming and natural gas piped in from places like Oklahoma, does have plenty of wind and sunshine for alternative energy production.

But is alternative energy competitive? That depends, largely on the specific location and circumstances. For example, in areas with high wind speeds, wind energy can be very competitive with conventional fossil fuel power.

Nebraska is currently ranked 11th in the nation in terms of wind energy potential, with an estimated potential to produce over 465,000 megawatts of electricity from wind power.

Solar energy is also becoming more competitive in Nebraska, especially as the cost of solar panels continues to decrease. Nebraska has over 200 days of sunshine each year, making it a prime location for solar energy production. However, due to its relatively low electricity prices and lack of state incentives for solar energy, the state is not yet a major player in solar energy.

Overall, the competitiveness of alternative energy compared to conventional fossil fuel power in Nebraska varies depending on the specific circumstances, but there is certainly potential for alternative energy to be a significant contributor to the state’s energy mix.

Opponents contend local benefits will be limited, and developers admit the power will go to whoever decides to purchase it, but proponents point to local tax benefits.

Neighbors are right to be concerned about how nearby solar installations will affect their lifestyles and property values, and the long-term implication when solar farms shut down.

At the same time, landowners, including the solar development companies and those who have leased property to them, have a legitimate right and expectation of using their land as they see fit.

Let’s hope the alternative energy moratorium, new zoning rules and consultant’s report provide the answers that will allow county and city officials to make decisions that will be best for the area’s future.