With T. Boone Pickens' plan for wind and solar energy gaining momentum in the media, I thought I would pull a quote from a blog I wrote on April 11, 2008..."Renewable energy from distant sources will move us away from coal-fired generation, but not transmission lines. The burden rests with distributed generation, demand side management, energy efficiency and private/public sector enterprise to create local/regional energy independence."

Today's commentary on WTOP radio in DC shared my same thoughts...referring to Pickens' plan as a long-distance extension cord reaching across the nation from Texas and rural America.

Granted, the plan is compelling and certainly a step in the right direction. It's better than staying stuck in neutral, hoping for quick fixes, or the long-term benefits of drilling for oil offshore or in the Artic region.

However, the question that remains for so many of us that have been a part of the opposition to Dominion and Allegheny Power's transmission line case before the SCC, is the National Interest Electric Transmission Line Corridor designation - the impact on land held under conservation easement, destruction of historic sites, hallowed viewsheds, environmentally sensitive areas, and government intervention through the use of eminent domain.

The use of solar and wind power is an important component to reducing our dependence on oil and coal. We reduced the use of oil-powered generating facilities for electricity as a result of the 1970's oil embargo...shifting to coal and natural gas. Pickens' plan for increased use of natural gas doesn't provide much cost relief when you see its price almost doubling since last summer.

There is still little discussion on the necessity for conserving energy, demand side management, energy efficiency and distributed generation. There lies the conundrum. The utility companies, federal and state governments, the gridmaster (PJM) all push for the above, but in the same breath they posit there is lack of data on the effectiveness.

We have a long way to go, and a short time to get there.