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Texas Environmental Group Says Wind Power Conserves Water


As Congress debates the fiscal cliff issue, tax credits for wind power in Texas could go away if a decision is not made by the end of the year.

Currently wind energy powers 13 million homes across the country. A group in Texas called Environment Texas released a report Wednesday stating why it believes wind energy production is a viable source of power.

Director of Environment Texas Luke Metzger said wind energy’s potential has barely scratched the surface.  "We are already number one in the country for wind power. It’s proven we are generating almost seven percent of electricity from wind power across the state. It’s helping save water,” Metzger said.

Metzger said the wind energy used right now saves enough water to meet the needs of about 140,000 Texans. He also said since 75 percent of Texas is in a drought, we need to do more to conserve our water resources.

"Power plants like the one across the lake use water to cool the turbans, and they suck huge amounts of water out of lakes like this and rivers in order to cool the power plants,” Metzger said. “Wind energy requires no water at all."

When it comes to reducing pollution, Metzger said if wind development continues at the same pace, it would take the equivalent of 2 million cars off the road.

Metzger said the group’s message to Congress is “do not throw wind power off the fiscal cliff.”

"The tax credits are a critical way to make wind power competitive. Every form of energy is subsidized by the federal government,” Metzger said. “The tax credit for wind power helps level the playing field to give wind energy a chance to compete."

By Cassie Gallo