Don't dismiss renewable energy

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Sean Stucker, a letter-to-editor writer, argues against Georgia Public Service Commissioner Stan Wise's dismissal of renewable energy, contending that Georgia should invest in clean energy sources to achieve energy independence and create jobs. Stucker criticizes Wise for championing expensive nuclear power while criticizing renewable energy costs, and points to Georgia's agreement to accept coal ash waste from Tennessee as evidence of misguided energy policy.

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Sean Stucker: Don't dismiss renewable energy
Athens Banner-Herald | Story updated at 6:27 pm on 6/1/2009

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Stan Wise is using his position on the state's utilities regulatory agency to advocate for a weak approach to addressing our nation's energy and environmental challenges (Forum, "Renewable energy plan would hurt consumers," May 24). Wise argued the sky would fall were we to pursue even modest goals for renewable energy.

We have a tremendous opportunity to develop local energy resources that would put us on the path to energy independence, create new jobs and reduce pollution. Right now we spend billions of dollars to import coal, and, according to recent news reports, soon we will also begin to import coal waste, since Georgia has agreed to take a portion of the waste from a toxic coal ash spill that occurred in Tennessee a few days before last Christmas. This is clearly energy policy that is headed in the wrong direction.

Instead, we should invest in energy sources that create economic activity right here in Georgia. On the Public Service Commission, Wise has championed raising our electricity rates to spend $2 billion on new nuclear power plants, yet he criticizes renewable energy for being expensive. A future with stable energy prices and reliable power - not to mention a sustainable, healthy planet - requires a diversification of energy sources.

We need forward-thinking leadership to develop more clean energy in Georgia. It's time to update our energy system for the 21st century, and our Public Service Commission should not dismiss renewable energy as a viable option for our state and our region. Our elected officials - like our energy policies - need to be forward-thinking.

Sean Stucker
Originally published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Tuesday, June 02, 2009