I wanted to write a bit about an issue that’s been on my mind ever since I watched a recent “Kentucky Tonight” episode while gathering notes on a story I wrote for this week’s edition. This particular broadcast featured a panel of energy people, like Bill Bissett from the Kentucky Coal Association and Scott Sykes from Genesis Development. It was something that Sykes said that really grabbed my attention.

According to Sykes, whose company has been conducting studies to determine the viability of wind farms on abandoned strip mine sites, there are several of those sites that can potentially produce enough wind to generate enough power for lots of homes. And while states all around Kentucky are researching and implementing wind energy sectors, Kentucky is sitting idle for the simple fact, he said, that there isn’t enough political will to get it done.

That’s an interesting bit of info from someone working in the wind energy business. I’ve been told by more than one politician that Kentucky just isn’t a viable wind energy state. The latest came from Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo while he was on the campaign trail prior to this year’s primary election. These politicians cited reports on the subject that not only was wind not a viable power source, but neither is solar. And I’ve heard more than these guys saying the same thing.

So which are we to believe? Is wind energy not something we can look to add to Kentucky’s energy portfolio? Can wind energy not supplement the power we already receive from coal fired plants? It would seem so, if we believe Mr. Sykes, and not so if we believe the politicians. It should be noted, though, that Sykes has not advocated for wind energy to replace any other types of energy, only for it to be used as a supplemental resource.

So let’s do a little looking around. According to the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s energy website, Kentucky does have a limited potential for wind energy. But there is some potential. So why are we not seizing this opportunity?

And what about solar power? Well, these same politicians say solar power is not a viable solution either, but, again, the state seems to disagree. According to the DEDI, solar power has a myriad of applications in Kentucky to “provide an abundant source of energy.” Sounds a little fishy.

Again, no one is saying that solar and wind energy can replace coal in any form or fashion. But if we look to harness more solar and wind energy, then shouldn’t that lengthen the time that we can continue to use coal? Wouldn’t beginning to use these supplemental power sources simply make good sense at some point?

It seems that all we ever hear from Frankfort, and from Washington for that matter, is that we need to use more alternative energy. But that’s just a popular talking point that sounds good. When the rubber meets the road, it seems very few of our elected leaders are willing to do anything to diversify our energy portfolio in Kentucky.

At present, about 93 percent of Kentuckians get their energy from coal. That’s great, especially here in eastern Kentucky where those kinds of numbers keep people working. But supplemental energy sources like wind and solar, which are apparently viable on a limited basis, would add jobs to the economy as well. Here in Perry County we’re all looking forward to the day the ecoPower wood burning plant opens for business, because it represents more jobs. That stands to reason for wind farms as well. And don’t tell me that they won’t work, because I’m tired of hearing that, and quite simply don’t believe it anymore.

Supplemental energy sources may not be popular in the coalfields, but they won’t cost anyone any jobs, and should add jobs to the economy. We just have to have some practical thinking politicians in office.