Last October there were 3 significant pipeline related ecological disasters, then 1 related to a fertilizer plant, all adding to the growing list of pipeline incidents. In Texas a natural gas pipeline burst taking out 15 utility poles and power to nearby residents. In Georgia and Alabama there was a gasoline pipeline that burst spilling 250,000 gallons into the local river. In New Mexico a natural gas line exploded killing 10 people at a camp site. In Florida a fertilizer plant had a sinkhole develop under its "slightly radioactive" retention pond releasing its toxic contents into the drinking aquifer. This all connects to solar energy in that when the new model of solar is used a mentality and understanding of renewable energy and environmental responsibility is fostered and maintained. The reach of which extends beyond the home that chooses to adopt rooftop solar.
The immediate impact of the Georgia and Alabama spill was an overnight $0.20 increase in fuel prices and a state of emergency. However, what is telling about this incident is that the emergency was not that the spill caused ecological damage, but that the fuel prices will increase. It is understandable that this emergency and reverberate through the entire eastern seaboard, it just seems obtuse to overlook the damage to the water and local habitat. Shouldn't a dual emergency be called at minimum? The emergency simply echoes the focus of the powers that be. A community focused on solar is one that accepts electric vehicles bypassing gasoline, insulating them from fluctuating fuel prices and protecting them by impacting the use of pipelines.
Families camping in New Mexico were killed and the area rocked by the explosion of a 36" natural gas pipeline. There were 5 adults and 5 children who died as a result, along with 2 critically injured adults. Sorrow is the only feeling that arises from such a tragic event, followed by the question of how to avoid a repeat. Natural gas is largely used by the utility companies for power generation and transitioning to distributed power network through rooftop solar eliminates the tremendous flow provided by these types of pipelines.
The Mosaic fertilizer plant is directly connected to the fossil fuel mentality and example of conduct. Their pond leaked for a week before announcement and slightly radioactive is akin to a little pregnant in my sentiments. The lackadaisical response is a direct reflection of the foot dragging clean up and mitigation precedent established by the CONG (Coal, Oil, Natural Gas) industry. A wanton disregard for environmental impact is contagious, the corollary is that respect for the environment and using clean resources is equally contagious. Going solar is that standing testament to environmental responsibility that is required to make lasting change.
Solar is the solution in all of these tragic incidents, specifically the need for environmental responsibility to play a greater role in our lives. Otherwise allowing ecological damage to play a greater role becomes the norm. The solution is up to the people because the decision to reinforce the status quo is evident for industry and oversight leaders. There are enough effected and concerned people to make solar the solution to the pipeline problem, a spill to solar is just a welcomed sunny day. We have to make the conscious decision to be good stewards of this world and live the example of environmentally responsible choices. Neither CONG CEOs nor heads of state (in a meaningful way) are ushering in a renewable future. They are implementing legislation that stifles renewable energy. Only support from the people can stop them and lead the example of distributed power. The actions need to be done from the bottom up. When we make the change the heads will follow, do your part by using clean renewable power.
Go forth and spread sunshine,
Clifford Mitchem
Independent Energy Advisor
Clean Renewable Energy Worldwide
