Story Published: Apr 29, 2009 at 3:18 PM PST
Story Updated: Apr 29, 2009 at 3:18 PM PST
Puget Sound Energy Spokesman Andy Wappler discussed regional wind projects at Tuesday's Clarkston Rotary and Chamber luncheon.
"In the last week or so the EPA's been given the power to regulate carbon dioxide, CO2," said Wappler. "There is a chance that President Obama will pass the global energy standard mandatory across the country, perhaps mirroring Washington's, maybe even being a step or 2 ahead of Washington's and there is the possibility of a carbon cap and trade system."
PSE is currently working to put up 800 wind turbines in Garfield and Columbia Counties. Each one costs about $5 million. Wappler said wind projects will have a positive impact on smaller communities, creating jobs, paying landowners and increasing county revenues through property taxes. The power collected from the turbines will be used in Western Washington.
"Even if we are building the wind today in Columbia and Garfield county, there is going to be opportunities for people here around Clarkston and Lewiston," said Wappler. "Maybe they live in Clarkston and Lewiston but work in Pomeroy or Garfield County. Or maybe their business can supply something we need at these facilities. So even though right now the wind power is being talked about in Columbia and Garfield counties, I think there will be a lot of opportunities for Clarkston and Lewiston. I also think that at some point we are likely to see more wind in Asotin County and further east into Washington State."
Wappler said that growth in wind power and other other energy sources such as solar and tidal power could positively impact your wallet.
"Even if you are not a Puget Sound Energy customer, when we build energy and get more energy onto the grid, that's good for everybody's rates in the region," said Wappler. "It's simply a function of supply and demand. The bigger the energy supply, the less the demand, the less price people have to pay."
