By Ben B.Boothe Sr., Environmental Solutions

In Texas, the State has a law, that every city will "Review the feasibility of using alternative energy". The State mandates that if it is feasible, that cities in Texas will utilize alternative energy, in "new buildings, rennovations and expansions". Solar is feasible in many cases, for long term repayment. But on average, solar, with current technology requires 20+ years to recapture the investment required to purchase and install it.

Wind power, that is, electricity produced by Wind Turbines, has recapture rates ranging from 3.5 years to 7 years. Many Mayors of small towns such as Lamesa, or Monohans have been seriously considering adding wind energy for city buildings.

"In New York City, Mayor Bloomberg has made a major statement, that all taxies should convert to hybrids, lighting on Times Square should be replaced with EE (energy efficient) bulbs, and every building should consider Wind, Solar, or some kind of alternative power. Even the Queens Bridge is being reviewed to put wind turbines at the top of the support spires." said Ernst Diener, environmental consultant.

"We want wind turbines atop our bridges and skyscrapers, or use the enormous potential of powerful off-shore winds miles out in the Atlantic Ocean, where turbines could generate roughly twice the energy that land-based wind farms can," Bloomberg said. "We want the best ideas for creating both small- and large-scale projects serving New Yorkers."

Cities like New York are showing leadership, which Bloomberg said is a result of a "leadership vacuum" in the USA. New York has a target of reducing the energy consumption at city agencies 30 percent by 2017. "Every city Mayor, every County Commissioner and Judge should be showing leadership." said Diener.

Some cities have decided to use wind to power water treatment plants, others city buildings such as the City Hall. Some counties are applying wind to Civic Centers, and auditoriums.

In McAllen, the city is looking at ways to create a full fledged program that it is a "Green City". The mayor and city planning, are considering wind turbines, for city operations to save taxes. As one city official said: "We can save millions of dollars in energy costs per year, and the savings will keep us from having to raise taxes."

Cities, counties, hospitals, and prisons have a distinct advantage, in that, as public institutions, they are allowed by law to issue revenue bonds to pay for the wind turbines. "Typically, a wind turbine will provide a 2 to 1 debt coverage ratio, which is above average by bonding standards." Therefore, the taxpayers, the city, and the environment all benefit. Because wind power is effecient enough to cover any purchase and installation debt, while saving thousands of dollars in electric bills.

From England, Holland, Germany, France, Spain, Greece, wind turbines have been used for city and county applications for over 30 years. The idea is gaining momentum, because experts have proven that the USA and the world, is already experiencing a need for "clean energy". Indeed, the President and CEO of American Electric Power has said that "The United States will experience over demand within 7 years. In that event, rates will skyrocket, and some cities and counties will have actual power shortages." New Federal laws, as proposed by Obama, suggest that he will provide $150 billion dollars to encourage expansion of use of alternative energy. Tax incentives will increase for busiiness and the general public. But, for cities and counties, the incentives are already there. It is the right thing to do. It is the a matter of vision and leadership to do it. And cities and counties already have the funding mechanisms and are encouraged by State and Federal law to move forward.