Aside from its attractive and continuing cost reductions, wind energy also provides solid local jobs as large wind farms are built.  Here is an in-depth profile of Oklahoma’s massive Wind Catcher wind farm project; it may well hold the title for the world’s second largest when complete in 2020.

Partner company Invenergy estimates that “Construction of the wind facility and power line will support 4,000 direct jobs and an additional 4,400 indirect jobs annually, and 80 permanent jobs once operational.”

Also discussed is Wyoming’s giant Chokecherry-Sierra Madre wind farm, which will be built in two phases, also set for completion in 2020.  Its parent company Power Company of Wyoming LLC estimates Chokecherry will “Create thousands of construction jobs and an estimated 114 permanent operations and maintenance jobs.”

Between now and then:  Yummy construction jobs for residents of Oklahoma, Wyoming and the adjacent states.  If you know someone with construction or electrician skills in those regions, please turn them onto these two job leads?

A side note:  One of the nice things about wind power, given today’s new political environment, is the way both political conservatives and liberals support wind energy.

The reason is obvious:  The American West and Great Plains regions have a ridiculously large amount of reliable wind… too good a resource to ignore:  it has long been used to pump water on small farms, witness the legendary photographs of western farms and ranches over the last 100 years.  There is always a windmill in the photo, pumping well water.  And today, tens of thousands of small holdings in every corner of the West and Midwest have a small electrical-generation windmill somewhere on the property.  It’s darn windy in these regions!

The piece is by Julia Pyper, senior editor of Greentech Media.  Please subscribe to their various e-newsletters and podcasts?  They are solid journalists reporting on the advanced energy beat, and we urge you to support their work.

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Not sure where to start saving the planet (civilization, really)?  Start by always remembering that “Hope is a renewable resource.”  Then, our practical answer becomes “Start by deeply knowing your three personal Superpowers…”  They are what you and I bring to the game: 

1) To save the planet, CHANGE OURSELVES FIRST;

2) To save the planet, INVEST OUR WORKING LIVES;

3) To save the planet, USE OUR VOICES and take advocacy seriously!  Never miss a vote and never, ever stop influencing your government and all businesses locally, at the state level, and at the national level.  As well, set a solid example for all around you to see.  Jawbone to others about what we need to do, and influence them as peers.  Finally, have an annual cash donations program.  All of these are ways we can use our voices. 

It falls upon you and I to lead the way with substantive global warming solutions.  (Far from being a bummer, this is actually a fun trend for each of us to be part of… get energized!)  Our kids and their kids will be proud of us. 

And in all cases and at all times, cast aside the learned-helplessness that infects so much of modern life… the time is now for climate change solutions.  No one else is going to do your part for you… never give up.

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