Wouldn’t it be nice to end our dependence on oil, coal and gas? These are the energy sources that cause all sorts of harm to our health and environment. They’re also the main contributors to global warming.
The roots of our energy problems are as simple as supply and demand, but the solutions aren’t so clear.
Increasing sources of “clean energy” like solar power is one approach that makes sense. But how about decreasing demand? Conserving energy would stretch our existing supplies. Or even better, we could do both; increase “clean energy” supply and decrease demand.
To increase energy supplies, consider several factors. Buying energy from out-of-state isn’t appealing; the power comes from the same plants that belch pollution into the jet stream and contribute to smog and other pollution in New Jersey. Where would additional supplies come from? And what are the environmental costs of new energy sources?
The governor’s recent Blue Ribbon Panel on Development of Wind Turbine Facilities in Coastal Waters recently released a report on the potential of “offshore wind farms” to provide new energy sources for our state.
Wind power is considered a “clean energy” and sounds appealing. But a lot of questions remain about its benefits and it can cause environmental damage to the ocean ecosystem.
The panel recommended surveying shore visitors and studying the environmental impact of wind turbines on migratory birds, fish and other coastal and marine life. The Jersey Shore is a vital part of our state’s economy and identity.
So why not put our energy into reducing demand and promote energy conservation?
The American Littoral Society (ALS), a member of the Blue Ribbon Panel, issued a separate report that concludes “significant opportunities for energy efficiency and savings exist within New Jersey, estimated to exceed 4,000 megawatts (equivalent to approximately eight mid-sized power plants).” That’s twice the projected energy deficit for New Jersey through 2009.
“We’re not going to solve New Jersey’s problems – including global warming and pollution – by generating more power, even from renewable sources,” explains ALS Executive Director Tim Dillingham. “We have to change the way we use energy.”
“The N.J. Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is working hard, within their capacity, to get people ‘retrained’ on energy conservation,” notes Red Bank Mayor Edward J. McKenna Jr., chair of the Blue Ribbon Panel. “But walk into an office at night and you’ll see 50 computers still on, for no reason. Clearly, there’s more we could do to emphasize conservation.”
Energy conservation should be the first and best alternative to address New Jersey’s energy needs.
A small sacrifice by each person, multiplied by 8 million people, will conserve a vast amount of energy. And changing our energy habits even a little, will reduce both energy consumption and environmental damage.
It’s time for New Jersey to take the lead by investing in conservation practices and education, before creating new energy generation facilities.
Michele Byers
New Jersey Conservation Foundation
Far Hills