Growing concern over the depletion of finite energy sources has forced Americans to look to other energy options. Renewable and alternative energy is becoming a growing business, which provides energy from unlimited sources such as the sun, wind, water, and even waste.
Development and growth in the alternative energy industry has the potential to create more jobs for America as well as being much gentler to the environment. It’s no secret to the people of Bakersfield the severity of Bakersfield’s air condition. Green-power energy is safe, cheap, and easy on the environment.
According to Natalie Bursztyn, geology and earth science professor at Bakersfield College, “It would be wonderful if there was a state law requiring all new buildings to have photovoltaic systems in place, but there is no such law. If the community wants it, and wants to stop rolling blackouts, but wants to continue using the same exorbitant amount of energy they are used to, it would be beneficial to make a move toward reducing the coal- and natural gas-generated electricity we currently have on the grid.”
Southern California Edison is a leader nationwide in producing renewable sources of energy. They have begun a recent project to start construction on the largest wind transmission project in the United States.
When completed, the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project will “create the single largest power block of wind energy in the United States,” said Michael Peevey, the president of the California Public Utilities Commission.
The Kern County Planning Commission recently voted 3-1 to support plans to place between 100 and 300 wind turbines on roughly 6,000 acres about 15 miles west of Rosamond.
Predictions for the project are that it could generate enough energy to power up to 90,000 homes. The plan would also let up on dependency on oil and coal for energy and bring $6 million in tax revenues to the county.
Some local companies are already using renewable or alternative forms of energy, and even more businesses in Bakersfield are doing the same. The choices of the local companies are providing solar energy to residential homes.
Everyone can do his or her part to take the step toward alternative energy, which will lead to a better, cleaner, and safer environment, Natalie Bursztyn said. She also said, “Everyone should recycle everything that is recyclable. Do it now. Do it last week. It’s practically free; it just takes a couple of extra seconds of your time to sort it all out.”