William Atkins
Tuesday, 22 July 2008 22:01
Science -
Energy
Page 1 of 2
State officials in Texas gave the initial go-ahead to construct the largest wind-power project in the United States. The $4.93 billion project will add to Texas being the number one state in wind power.
At the state capital in Austin, Public Utility Commission leader Paul Hudson stated,
"We will add more wind than the 14 states following Texas combined. I think that's a very extraordinary achievement. Some think we haven't gone far enough, some think we've pushed too far." [AP: “
Texas approves massive new wind power project”]
Currently, Texas is the largest producer of wind power in the United States, with 5,300 megawatts. California is second in the United States, but with less than half the capacity of Texas.
Preliminary approval for the wind-power plan was announced on Thursday, July 16, 2008. The new project will construct wind turbines in the dry, windy West Texas area.
The project will then send the energy they generate to the rapidly growing, power-hungrey urban areas of Texas, such as El Paso, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston.
The project plan will be finalized by August 15, 2008, according to Damon Withrow, director of government relations at the Public Utility Commission.
The project, assuming it is approved, will be completed in 2013
The Associated Press article states that the Texas project will create jobs, reduce pollution, and reduce energy costs across the state.
However, Texas residents will pay more for their electricity to pay for this wind power. Will it save them money in the long run? Please read on.
