Renewable energy is a topic many people are talking about. Many people believe wind and solar power are the way of the future, but there are actually many misconceptions about green energy. Students at Saint John’s University wanted to learn more about this topic, so CFACT and the Saint John’s University College Republicans decided to get together and talk about this important topic.
CFACT’s Midwest Regional Director, Justin Myhra, was the featured speaker, and the students at Saint John’s University were very interested in what he had to say. He dispelled many of the myths surrounding green energy.
Despite what many liberal and pro-green activists say, green energy isn’t cheap. It can actually be very expensive compared to other types of electricity, like coal or natural gas. It also doesn’t generate jobs (in fact green energy jobs can kill jobs in other sectors of the economy). And worst of all green energy actually harms the environment. Wind turbine kill 500,000 birds every year in the United States and solar projects are exempted from many environmental regulations.
This topic hit very close to home here in Minnesota. New federal regulations have led to the closure of several coal power plants in the state, and the largest coal fired power plant in the state is currently slated to close in 2026. All of this is being done in the name of cutting carbon and embracing renewable energy.
Andrew, one of the College Republicans, has family who work in the energy sector. “The closure of coal plants is going to hurt electricity prices here in Minnesota,” said Andrew, “And solar power just doesn’t make sense here.” Andrew also pointed out it will take a lot of wind turbines to replace Minnesota’s coal fired power plants.
The Saint John’s University College Republicans had a great time working with CFACT, and are looking forward to doing more with CFACT in the future. “It is exciting to work with an environmental group that shares our values,” said one College Republican. Many conservatives love the environment, but we know big government isn’t the answer.
