Ruth Little: Green energy not perfect

Amid the appeals from American companies that use tax credits for solar power to continue the renewables tax credit in North Carolina, consider the unintended consequences of switching from coal and gas power to such “renewables” as solar and wood.

Driving around Eastern North Carolina recently, I have seen many new solar farms on farmland. It is becoming obvious that some alternatives to fossil fuel energy may be as bad as fossil fuels themselves. These solar “farms” that cover former farmland may create an intense heat sink that will change the microclimate. Reports are appearing that their heat scorches birds.

Wind farms have an adverse effect on birds as well.

A recent N&O article noted that Europe’s demand for wood pellets from North Carolina’s plentiful hardwood forests is decimating our timberlands, and the widespread use in Europe may cause as much harm as the coal burning that it replaces. We seem to be aiding industries that will inflict equal damage to our environment from solar, wind and wood harvesting.

What if we create tax credits for using less energy, rather than energy from different sources?

This story was originally published January 2, 2016 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Ruth Little: Green energy not perfect."