Written by: Todd Tranum
6/25/2010 3:05 PM 

Written by Todd J. Tranum, President/CEO, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier

     As a nation we must develop a diversity of energy sources and make significant strides toward developing and harnessing renewable energy opportunities. Specific to Chautauqua County and our region there are opportunities in wind energy development. As citizens of Chautauqua County we must keep an open mind to wind power. Wind provides a means of diversifying our energy portfolio. Wind presents an opportunity to increase the income for landowners, expand the tax base and create economic growth. New Jobs can be created that directly support the wind industry. Secondly, jobs can be created within the supply chain of industries that provide the components for windmill manufacturing. 
     President Obama set a goal in 2009 to double the nation’s supply of renewable energy over a three year period. The administration estimates that wind, solar and geothermal power currently produce 24,000 megawatts. It is anticipated that to double this figure wind power alone will increase by 20,000 megawatts. Governor Paterson has set a goal to have renewable energy sources such as wind produce 30 percent of New York’s energy portfolio by 2015. Now, it can be debated whether or not these goals are achievable but the reality is that a strong movement toward renewable energy is underway, it is going to happen and Chautauqua County needs to be positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.
      The US Department of Energy conducted a study in 2008 that looked at a scenario where 20% of the country’s energy needs would be derived from wind by 2030. The economic impacts of wind power are significant. The DOE report states that during the decade preceding 2013, the U.S. wind industry could:

• Support roughly 500,000 jobs in the U.S. , with an annual average of more than 150,000 workers directly employed by the wind industry;
• Support more than 100,000 jobs in associated industries (e.g., accountants, lawyers, steel workers, and electrical manufacturing);
• Support more than 200,000 jobs through economic expansion based on local spending;
• Increase annual property tax revenues to more than $1.5 billion by 2030; and
• Increase annual payments to rural landowners to more than $600 million in 2030.

     Embracing wind power in Chautauqua County can lead to increased job opportunities, increased income for land owners and expansion of the tax base. We are presented with opportunities to harness land based wind opportunities. There are several initiatives underway to harness the power of the wind from land based locations. In addition, there are plans for offshore wind production. The New York State Power Authority is currently looking to build wind turbines facilities in Lake Erie and/or Lake Ontario. The size and exact location for the project has not yet been determined. According to NYPA this offshore installation would be the world’s first freshwater farm and will produce up to a total capacity of 500 megawatts. Once built NYPA will purchase the electricity under a long term purchase agreement.
     There is an energy revolution occurring and Chautauqua County has to be on the bus if we are to expand our economy and grow new job opportunities. These are the reasons why all of us here in Chautauqua County must keep an open mind to wind power development on land and offshore.

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