Spirit Lake Community Schools

Wind Generation

Energy is very important to the economy of the Midwest. Every year people, companies, and governments in Iowa spend between $4 and $5 billion for energy needs. Energy provides services people want and it creates jobs.

Current patterns of energy production and use threaten both the environment and future economic growth. Much of Iowa's energy comes from coal and oil, which generate pollution. Some comes from nuclear power, which creates safety hazards and produces radioactive wastes. In addition, Iowa remains vulnerable to rising fuel prices and disruptions in energy supply. In addition we pay for the damage caused by emissions from power plants, automobiles, homes, business, and industry.

Iowa can reduce its reliance on such energy sources as fossil fuels by improving the efficiency of energy usage and by developing less polluting, indigenous renewable resources. Greater efficiency will restrain growth in fuel demand while saving consumers money.

Renewable energy will

v Pollute less

v Displace fossil fuels

v Reduce damage to the environment

v Provide insurance against fuel-price increases and environmental regulations

v create new energy industries that will help sustain the Iowa economy into the next century

Environmental Impact of Fossil Fuel Use

v Damage to the land from mining

v Contamination of the environment

v Global warming through emission of carbon dioxide

Studies suggest that sulfur dioxide emission from Midwest power plants alone may result in $25 billion a year in health related costs.

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