SAMANTHA CART
The Great Debate
Alternative and Renewable Energy in West Virginia
During the 2021 session of the West Virginia Legislature , House Bill 3239 was introduced and called for the creation of the West Virginia Energy Diversity Study Commission to identify areas where additional electric power generation facilities may be located that utilize renewable energy sources to lower carbon emission . While the bill did not make it to the Senate , it is not the first to be introduced stirring discussion on the potential for the increased use of alternative and renewable energy sources in West Virginia . While some argue that West Virginia ’ s lack of renewable energy sources is hurting its economic opportunities , others are concerned about the U . S . giving up its energy independence in favor of less reliable forms of power generation . Those on both sides of the issue agree that energy will continue to play an important role in the state ’ s economy , but there is much debate on what types of energy that should include .
In an effort to better understand the arguments for and against an increase in alternative and renewable energy sources — particularly wind and solar — West Virginia Executive magazine reached out to James Van Nostrand , professor of law and director of the Center for Energy & Sustainable Development at the West Virginia University ( WVU ) College of Law and a proponent of increased wind and solar energy production , and Gregory Wrightstone , executive director of the CO2 Coalition and a fierce advocate for the use of fossil fuels , for their unique perspectives on some of the statements that have been made during the debate .
Solar and wind energy are less harmful to the climate than fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions .
VAN NOSTRAND : Yes , generating electricity with solar and wind generating resources is much less harmful to the climate than burning fossil fuels — either coal or natural gas — to generate electricity . Solar arrays and wind farms produce no greenhouse gas emissions in generating electricity . They reduce emissions to the extent they replace carbon-emitting resources , such as coal- or natural gas-fired generation .
WRIGHTSTONE : Solar and wind energy are touted as being less harmful to the climate than fossil fuels . However , the environmental harm that accompanies them is significant and widespread — so much so that the Pennsylvania Game Commission that controls 1.5 million acres in the Keystone State banned them permanently and found that wind development was incompatible with its mandates to protect , propagate , manage and preserve the game and wildlife of the commonwealth and promote recreational opportunities .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE