Ben Hasty: Reading Eagle
The Reading (PA) Eagle has a great article by Darrin Youker today, dealing with that state’s attempts at energy diversity as a means to energy independence. In areas that were once relatively thriving coal communities, the now declining towns are welcoming alternatives such as wind and solar cogeneration as a means to provide both new energy and new jobs for their people.
As has become usual, there are two Spanish companies involved in the new wind turbine installations going up all over the state, but there are also solar farms being built by Exelon, who also has nuclear generation facilities in Pennsylvania. This willingness to diversify is what will bring the hoped-for 80,000+ new jobs to the state in new clean energy industries.
This is of course also dependent on the continued expansion of federal incentives, including the $100 billion promised by the incoming administration. Like most projects, the willingness to invest and the strength to stick to the plan will make all the difference between great success and a lackluster fizzle. We can hope for the best. Meanwhile, check out the article at ReadingNews.com.