The nation's fight for energy independence and against global warming should begin at home, right here in Blaine County.
The county has produced enough hot air debating whether it should allow wind turbines to be located within the Wood River Valley's scenic corridor to power its own turbine.
Instead, the County Commissioners should initiate Idaho's first county energy production and conservation plan.
It needs to go beyond the common "let's-change-out-our-incandescent-light-bulbs" plan. The county should enlist its own planning department and Idaho Power in the effort.
When it comes to development, the county has a history as a go-to entity for gathering expertise on everything from avalanche chutes to wetlands. Why not power development?
A local energy plan would outline the benefits, costs and viability of alternative energy devices. With sound analysis, the plan could also enable new jobs, something on everyone's wish list.
The plan should include maps that show average wind speeds and where the wind blows most often. Maps should also include sun studies that show how much sunshine various areas receive.
And lest we forget, Blaine County possesses geothermal resources that could be analyzed for energy potential as well.
The information would give homeowners and businesses a head start in evaluating the efficacy of clean energy.
The county should determine locations where wind or solar installations would generate the most energy. Then, it should create energy zones similar to residential, agriculture and commercial zones in which commissioners could balance the beauty or unsightliness of turbines against the need for energy efficiency.
For example, the county may find that wind turbines would be most productive in the agrarian south county where there are fewer mountains and steadier winds. The county could decide to allow wind development there and to prohibit it in popular scenic areas where wind potential may be minimal.
The county also should ensure that its own ordinances are solar-friendly. Planners should scour subdivision covenants to ensure that they allow solar installations. If not, the county should seek a state law similar to one in California that gives homeowners the right to install solar panels on rooftops.
Blaine County has always been a leader in planning that has protected natural resources while allowing reasonable development. It's a natural to create the state's first county energy plan.
