Texas woes show need for renewable energy
Since experts agree that frozen wind turbines had a “minimal” effect on the recent energy crisis in Texas, no one should use the current sufferings of Texans as an opportunity to make political points about renewable energy (“Could a Texas-size failure hit New York?” Feb. 18). Instead, our focus must remain on the complexity of creating a reliable energy system.
One essential part of any such system is a robust energy grid. On that front, New Yorkers can be cheered by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s intention, as stated in his State of the State speech this year, to make needed investment in New York’s transmission system.
Considering Texas’ troubles also highlight how essential the role of government is in planning our energy future, New York state’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting is playing an important role in expediting large-scale renewable projects. Moreover, state regulations regarding capacity mitigate shortfalls such as those experienced in unregulated Texas.
The violence and unexpectedness of the weather that hit Texas is an indication of the menace of climate change and yet another object lesson in the urgency of limiting our use of fossil fuels. In that light, the governor’s plans for this year of stepping up largescale renewable projects seem very prudent.
Texas’ troubles should remind us of how hard we all need to work on putting into place the many moving parts that will go into constructing a safe and sustainable energy future.
Alison White Kingston