Wind power produces no pollution and no
byproducts. Furthermore it uses no natural
resources in the production of energy, whereas
fossil fuels and nuclear use water for both
creating steam to turn the turbines and for
cooling. For every MWh produced by wind turbines,
a MWh is not produced by the standard electricity
supply mix in the United States.
The generation of electric power produces
more pollution than any other single industry
in the United States. The most recent (1998)
data show the U.S. electricity industry was
responsible for:
- 67% of sulfur dioxide emissions that
contribute to acid rain
- 25% of NOx emissions that contribute
to urban smog
- 40% of carbon emissions that contribute
to global climate change
Among the other major environmental issues
linked to electricity are water impacts,
generation of wastes, and the disruption
of land uses. |
