David Voigts.

The U.S. needs a great amount of new energy, mostly due to the massive data centers that power artificial intelligence. This electricity should be provided at the lowest cost, with the fewest environmental impacts, and as quickly as possible.

The answer would seem to be a mix of electrical generation types, but emphasizing wind and solar. Both are less expensive and quicker to build than coal or gas plants, and both cause less pollution of our air and water while emitting less climate altering carbon dioxide. Nuclear power is another clean energy that could be added to the mix, especially if small modular reactors and other experimental reactors become operational. In addition, permitting reform would help by allowing projects to be constructed in a shorter time.

President Trump has acknowledged the need for more energy in his promise to “unleash American energy,” but the administration’s policies are doing the opposite. Stopping solar and offshore wind projects, while directing that more coal plants be built, will result in longer construction times, higher costs, and more pollution.

Congress should become involved and pass legislation that encourages clean energy, reforms permitting, and insures that fully permitted projects will not be stopped.

David Voigts is a retired ecologist and the current Conservation Chair for the Prairie Rapids Audubon Society. He is a Tama County native, graduating from Dinsdale High School, and lives in rural Jesup on his wife’s family farm.