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May 7, 2009

Let’s Expand State Energy Playbook

by Paul Sadler

Having a state energy plan without wind power is like a modern football offense without a spread formation in the passing game. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State still rely on old-fashioned, smash-mouth football when they need it, but they learned in recent years that diversification of their offense makes for a potent mix. In a similar way, an energy game plan with a diversified mix of resources is a strong recipe for success, leading to lower costs for consumers and lower emissions of pollutants.

Today’s spread offense in the energy economy is wind energy — an endless resource that is clean and completely renewable. Oklahoma generates most of its electricity from coal (50 percent) and natural gas (46 percent), while renewable energy sources account for less than 4 percent of the state’s energy portfolio. With the fuel cost of coal increasing in recent years from $1,200 per kilowatt hour to $3,000 per kilowatt hour, and natural gas prices rising 280 percent during the past decade, it makes sense for Oklahoma to pursue alternative energy sources.

Oklahoma has vast wind resources, and building wind farms stimulates local economies and creates high-paying technical jobs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for every 1,000 megawatts of wind-generated power added to the grid, the economy is boosted by $1.2 billion in investment and the creation of 2,500 construction jobs, and 435 industry-specific jobs.

While Oklahoma has yet to tap its renewable potential in a significant way, it is encouraging that legislators are considering the creation of a state energy plan and the establishment of a clean energy commission. Senate Bill 678 bySen. Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee, and SB 953 by Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City, show there is strong bipartisan support for an important discussion about the right mix of traditional fossil fuels and renewable sources. The goal of the wind industry is not to replace traditional sources of energy, but to augment them.

Our hope is Oklahoma will create an energy plan and a clean-energy commission that recognizes the economic and environmental opportunities that exist for the people of Oklahoma. If you have a tough time envisioning Oklahoma leading the way in renewable energy development, think back to the days of Billy Sims and Barry Sanders, and ask yourself: Would you have foreseen the pass-happy stats OU and OSU would one day put up with Sam Bradford and Zac Robinson? Fortunately for both programs, they had coaches who could think beyond the conventional to develop diversified offenses that would become the future of football.

When it comes to energy, a diversity of sources is critical to containing the cost of electricity, and increasing the supply. In my playbook, that spells victory for consumers.

 


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