I’m writing to urge the community to let the conversation begin around battery storage systems.
Batteries are part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy that can enable energy autonomy, lower rates and cleaner air. If the commissioners don’t move quickly, LPEA stands to lose millions in grant funding and tax credits. That is money directly out of ratepayers’ pockets.
Energy costs in Texas are 24% below the national average by adopting this strategy. Locally, we currently can’t even have a real conversation about any specific project, because of excessive regulation. The county commissioners need to remove the moratorium, and then the very public permitting process can begin for specific projects.
There is a ton of fear-mongering being propagated by owners of natural gas wells that is entirely driven by their economic self-interest. The more ratepayers are locked into fossil fuels the more money they make. They are claiming an environmental position with breathtaking hypocrisy. The fossil fuel alternative is more expensive and burns toxic chemicals into our environment 24x7 by design. It is fraught with gas spills (Herald, Nov. 21) and long-term destruction of farmland (Herald, Dec. 3).
It is understandable that people have questions and concerns. Please remove the moratorium so the fact-based conversation can begin.
Jessica Wheeler
Durango
