The best power plants are those we don’t need to build

January 6, 2010 By J.P. Leous

J.P. Leous

Back in an August post I asked the question: “What would a $2.2 billion energy efficiency program look like?” when writing about the nixed Santee Cooper coal plant. It looks like we’ve found our answer: The New York Times reported today that plans for a $1.8 billion transmission line between West Virginia and Maryland have been scrapped, in part due to energy efficiency measures reducing the need for the 279-mile corridor.

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When we invest in energy efficiency we can do more with less, while emitting less carbon pollution, and saving money. This is great for our pocketbooks, and it’s also great for our wildlands. Investing in energy efficiency takes development pressure off of our treasured landscapes and helps reduce heat-trapping emissions — protecting our favorite fishing holes and hiking trails, not to mention the special places that clean the water we drink and the air we breathe.

As winter rears its chilly head, now is a great time to invest in heat and energy conservation at home. If you are interested in finding out how to weatherize your home, buy more efficient appliances, or other ways to save energy AND money (and reduce your carbon footprint), a great place to start is the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Page. Your public lands, and wallet, will thank you!