Politician Stoking the Green Hearth

by Andrea Millar — April 27, 2008

Between Hilary and Obama, McCain and...those other guys, 2008 has already been a great year for political bombast. And I suppose there is a certain sense of sport in watching candidates of various ideological stripes sharpen their teeth on each other in the events leading up to the election. The possibility of completely dumping the present administration has many people frothing at the mouth at the possibilities for the coming term. But it's also nice to know that presently there are politicians who are working in the here and now to convert political rhetoric into action.

The one I'm thinking of here is San Francisco's own Gavin Newsom, who recently unrolled initiatives for not just one but two alternative-energy actions. He has come out unequivocally opposed to the oil industry, and recently said he wants to develop ocean-wave energy in the Bay no matter what current studies indicate about its economic viability. Brazen statements like that may not be winning him fans across the political aisle, but I'm always willing to award politicians points for candor. He stoked green hearths further when he announced intentions to deploy urban wind turbines across the urban landscape of San Francisco. The turbines are expected to cost about $14,000, with some of this price softened by a $4,000 tax credit.

In Mexico, another high-profile politician is looking towards greener pastures. President Felipe Calderon recently threw his support in further wind energy development in the near future. Mexico recently opened the biggest wind farm in Latin America in La Venta II, nestled in the state of Oaxaca. Located in--where else?--the valley of La Ventosa, the farm has 98 wind turbines to generate 83 megawatts of electricity, enough for a sizeable chunk of Oaxaca's energy needs. Calderon's government is planning on stepping up funding for the area, which is estimated to be one of the more valuable regions worldwide for wind energy potential.