While many countries are now speeding up to develop renewable energy by shaping up big solar and wind projects to reality, last week Californian Senator Dianne Feinstein introduced a bill that was disappointing news for energy plant developers. On Monday, Feinstein announced a plan that she would create two new national monuments in Mojave Desert which was previously thought as a site for massive development of solar arrays and large-scale wind projects in the desert. Even though the bill was designed to develop the monuments, it addresses the concerns like where these proposed plants are located. Furthermore, Senator Dianne Feinstein believes that these monuments would protect the natural environment and wildlife which has sparked some outrage from solar and wind developers.
The desert land was donated to the Government by an environmental group who acquired the property from a development corporation.
Senator Feinstein said “I strongly believe that conservation, renewable energy development and recreation can and must co-exist in the California desert”.
The dispute is about the compatibility of green energy development in the long-term. Many of the lands which are considered best for major renewable energy projects are now creating complications. Most of these lands cover the proposed plan for the development and installation of at least 13 big solar plants and wind farms in the site. Most of the proposed site by the bill for building solar and wind plans are thought to be too remote, and could be very expensive.
It now puts a question for United States on its movement for large scale production of renewable energy which is now deflecting from main global climate change agenda. Now main question is whether the land should be used as a recreational centre for public or used as energy sources which would make a positive move to fight global issues like climate change, reducing pollution and global warming.
I think we would be better served by having solar installations on the roofs of our schools and government buildings. That would decentralize the power structure, energy would not need to be transmitted far distances an the schools could get a break on their energy bills.