Southern Utah has a tremendous opportunity to help lead the way in providing alternative forms of energy in the state.
Earlier this week, the Iron County Commission approved a geothermal plant that will be built in one of three locations under consideration in the county. The 10 megawatt plant will supply power to California and could bring the county about $171,000 annually in royalties if the facility is built on school trust lands.
The city of St. George is planning a solar farm - possibly to be built near the wastewater treatment plant in Bloomington - that would help supply power to the municipality's customers.
These two renewable-energy plants are good examples of forethought that will be needed to meet our power needs in the future.
We can debate the issues surrounding the proposed Toquop coal-fired plant near Mesquite. But the reality is even if Toquop is built, the power needs of this region will require more facilities. Iron County Commissioner Wayne Smith spoke up at the meeting in which the geothermal plant was approved and suggested requiring at least some of the power from such plants be dedicated to Southern Utah. It was a good question and an even better idea that should be explored every time companies ask about generating power in our area.
Full Story: http://www.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080717/OPINION/807170304
