There is a plan
afoot to save Erie County $9.5 million over 20 years. That's around
$450,000 a year. Adjusted for inflation…. I'll leave that to an
economist.
By the way – That
$9.5 million savings is dependent upon the design of the solar arrays
and is, according to the Buffalo News,
a conservative estimate.
I support the plan
and encourage other counties in the Western NY region to join in on
the plan.
It involves building
two solar arrays on vacant land near the Alden Correctional Facility
and near the Angola Waste Water Treatment Plant. The total output of
these two plants would be near 6 Mega Watts. That would be used to
power government buildings. That is a major cost savings to
taxpayers.
Alternately, the
power would be enough to power 1000 homes. Make those low income
homes and we're really on track to helping people out. Either way,
it's a win. And there are just under 1300 solar arrays on houses or
in process to being set up in Erie County. We are on the verge of a
solar revolution.
First – The
prison. This is an excellent opportunity to teach inmates a skill
that they can use when released. Solar and green energy sources are
going to be a major part of our energy infrastructure from here on
out and being employable after release reduces the possibility of
recidivism.
Second – the money
savings. This is good for taxpayers as it will free up money to take
care of our schools, libraries, roads, hospitals, and other
infrastructure.
Third – The green
footprint. This helps reduce our dependence upon fossil fuels and
foreign supples. No more coal polluting our atmosphere. No more need
for gas (or fracking – BONUS) or oil to burn. And the nuclear
power plants that are so hazard prone and ever so expensive with cost
over runs (and we still have no clue what to do with the waste) won't
have to be built.
The only down side
is that the panels and arrays will be produced and maintained by
private capitalist corporation. That can be changed in time. After
all, there is a specter haunting America…..
Socialists support
this idea of producing solar energy for all the reasons listed above
and many more.
Socialists encourage
Erie County and all counties in WNY to look into solar arrays and
pursue building them.
Germany produces
more solar electricity as a nation the the US does.
Let's do something
about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment