Windpower and Farms

 Recently the Idaho Statesman ran a story with a very clever line: America can’t drill its way out of an energy crisis. According to expert opinion, it’s possible for Idaho Power to get 12 percent of its electricity from wind by next year, if, Energy Czar, Paul Kjellander doesn’t get in the way.

In a Statesman guest opinion in January, the “Energy Czar” didn’t exactly endorce, wrap his arms around, give kudos…you fill in the cliché, to the power of wind. Quote from Kjellander… "Based on greenhouse gas realities, and the fact that renewables such as wind, solar and geothermal are not yet ready to meet our large-scale needs, our resource options are limited to the three 'N's' - nuclear, natural gas, or nothing." But  scientists have  a more optimistic view of wind power. From the Office of Energy Resources' Web site comes this analysis: "Idaho ranks 13th in the nation for its wind power development potential. Select areas of Idaho are highly suitable for wind development projects."

Someone who agrees and works with farmers and farms in Idaho is Eagle Rock Timber’s Project Manager, Barbara Miller. “A farmer, absolutely in an open field, especially at the crest of the valleys where the wind comes whipping in, it seems very logical in my own opinion.”

 The company installed its first wind turbine in August and is hoping that farmers and others get the message…Windpower is viable.