Renewable Energy Goes Small and Wide

26 August 2009 - 8:00am

Small scale hydroelectricity projects are popping up all over the country, especially in remote and environmentally sensitive places.

As many as 500 sites for small power plants have been identified in Washington alone.

Despite the green goals of renewable energy generation, the location of some of these facilities puts sensitive lands in danger.

"[T]he small-hydro trend is beginning to raise eyebrows in environmental and recreation circles, especially in the West where much of the activity is taking place. The concern is that dozens, if not hundreds of dams and small power plants could industrialize vast reaches of spectacular backcountry, while providing relatively little power. Aside from ruining prized whitewater rafting runs, the projects could kill fish, critics say, while carving up habitat for other wildlife, such as for bears and eagles, with roads, transmission lines and other infrastructure."

Source: The Wall Street Journal, August 25, 2009
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There are limits to the amount of pollution the environment can absorb without reducing ecosystem services and impairing both human health and the sustainability of our economy.