Alexander fails to lead on clean energy

In this mention

Brandon Blevins, wind program coordinator at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, writes a letter to the editor criticizing Senator Lamar Alexander's stance on renewable energy in Tennessee. Blevins counters Alexander's claim that wind doesn't blow in Tennessee by citing TVA's renewable energy assessment and argues that renewable energy is economically competitive and represents significant job growth in the state.

The senator continually states that the wind doesn't blow in Tennessee. But the Tennessee Valley Authority shows, in its latest renewable energy assessment, that the wind energy potential for TVA is almost equivalent to the amount of hydropower currently generated for the TVA system.
Brandon Blevins

Original clipping

PDF didn't open? Open it in a new tab →

Alexander fails to lead on clean energy

Monday, October 27, 2008

Within a recent knoxnews.com story titled, "Presidential race: Energy, environment key on both sides," Sen. Lamar Alexander had some startling words to share about renewable energy in Tennessee.

The senator continually states that the wind doesn't blow in Tennessee. But the Tennessee Valley Authority shows, in its latest renewable energy assessment, that the wind energy potential for TVA is almost equivalent to the amount of hydropower currently generated for the TVA system.

Furthermore, according to the Energy Information Administration, over the past year, there have been more new wind energy installations than new nuclear and coal plants combined.

Economics is the simplest explanation of America's decision to embrace renewables such as wind. As U.S. citizens, we have seen coal prices rise more than 258 percent in the past four years, and nuclear prices have sky rocketed more than 300 percent, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Alexander's definition of solar energy as "experimental" reflects his lack of education, and support for an industry that continues to be one the fastest-growing industries.

Renewable energy businesses continue to grow across a state that the senator once walked across. Sharp Solar in Memphis; Aerisyn, LLC in Chattanooga; and the UT/Dupont new cellulosic ethanol plant in Vonore represent more than hundreds of green jobs.

The senator's comments and voting record reflect his unwillingness to lead Tennessee.

Brandon Blevins

Wind program

coordinator