The positive effects of renewable energy are undeniable – they allow us to channel solar and wind as a better alternative to the expensive costs of utilizing electricity. As such, Donald Trump’s stance towards anti-wind policies is detrimental for the advancement of clean air and energy in the country as a whole. Trump’s vision of a continued reliance on fossil fuel usage clearly does not align with what renewable energy advocates wish to push for.
Unfortunately, the president’s Jan. 20 executive order that would block renewable energy building is accompanied by a bill that would impose similar restrictions in Texas called SB 819. This is a bill that would also place unfair environmental fees on any wind or solar projects. As a result, fossil fuels would take center stage since they would not have to face these new costs. Another setback under SB 819 would be the additional restrictive conditions for renewable energy. These new conditions demand that wind turbines need to be placed at a distance of 3,000 feet from property lines. On the other hand, the far more damaging oil and gas wells only need to stay 467 feet from those property lines.
As a college student working to make the world a more livable place, the current state of climate policy is alarming. We need to eliminate factors that restrict our pathways to renewable energy in order to make a positive impact. Renewable energy is the future, and I urge people to take immediate action.
Cassidy Chung, UTD student