Fine Column On Cost-Benefits Of Greener Energy

Some of the advantages- - employment gains, reduced consumer costs, fewer new power plants and overhead transmission lines:

Utilities say high-voltage transmission lines pay for themselves, but the record does not support the claim. Chances are even slimmer now with electricity use in Wisconsin and across the United State predicted to flatten out for the foreseeable future.

In contrast, states that have made energy efficiency their No. 1 investment are canceling power lines and power plant proposals. They also are reducing dependency on centralized power and creating four times as many sustained jobs, not jobs terminated when a power line is complete.