President Barack Obama has set a goal of generating 80% of the nation's electricity from clean energy sources by the year 2035. This has led to numerous projects on millions of acres of federally owned lands, most in Western states. The problem standing in the way of this progress is the issues the Native Americans in these areas have with this land use. They fear that these projects will harm the cultural significance of the land. The current project under scrutiny is 7,000 acres of solar panels. The Native Americans argue that there is plenty of land in the desert that the government could use for these projects. Government scientists on the other hand, argue that these projects are being strategically placed in the most advantageous areas possible. Currently, the Native Americans are trying to sue over the use of the land. To me, this seems outrageous to even be considered an issue. While at times it is important to preserve sacred and cultural areas, this should not outweigh the importance of renewable energy for the world. It is important to respect the past, but more important to move forward.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Native Americans vs. Solar Energy
President Barack Obama has set a goal of generating 80% of the nation's electricity from clean energy sources by the year 2035. This has led to numerous projects on millions of acres of federally owned lands, most in Western states. The problem standing in the way of this progress is the issues the Native Americans in these areas have with this land use. They fear that these projects will harm the cultural significance of the land. The current project under scrutiny is 7,000 acres of solar panels. The Native Americans argue that there is plenty of land in the desert that the government could use for these projects. Government scientists on the other hand, argue that these projects are being strategically placed in the most advantageous areas possible. Currently, the Native Americans are trying to sue over the use of the land. To me, this seems outrageous to even be considered an issue. While at times it is important to preserve sacred and cultural areas, this should not outweigh the importance of renewable energy for the world. It is important to respect the past, but more important to move forward.
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I think that the solar panels are more important than the argument that the land is important to native Americans. As long as there aren't any burial grounds or anything else that was made directly by the Native Americans, then I don't see the issue. Putting solar panels there puts the land to good use. Renewable energy is definitely more important.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the solar panels should have little or no competition with the Native Americans. To an extent of course i'm sure there are ways to share the land and help to preserve both their land and our energy. After learning more about solar panels and how helpful they are, I wish that president Obama's plan for the future could happen even sooner.
ReplyDeleteI think that we should look else where first and if this is our absolute only option then go ahead and move forward. However, I think we have disrespected and taken away enough things for the Native Americans as is. Not to mention, the government sent the Native Americans on these reservations, they need to make up their minds. Native Americans are people too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Caitlin. No wonder Native Americans had a bad feeling about the "white man". We took their homes from them when we sailed over here, then some Native Americans went through the Trail of Tears and now its still going on in the 21st Century. The United States is big enough to find another plot of land to use for solar energy. Why does the government think it can do anything it wants no matter who the tread on?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Caitlin!I think that the solar pannels are a good idea but the Native Americans have already been through enough with being relocated, their people getting killed, and you know,small pox blankets. I feel like America should respect them enough to finally leave them alone and find other places to set the pannels up.
ReplyDeleteIt is not the government's job to force Americans to change to green energy. Given free will, the free market will eventually work things out.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like there should be some kind of compromise that can be reached by the two parties. I kind of get the feeling that both groups involved are being stubborn.
ReplyDeleteIf the Native Americans truly care about this land, they should be open to what the government is planning on doing with it. They are not trying to destroy the land, in fact, they are trying to save the land and all other land on earth. The issue is not the land itself, it's saving the world by reducing the use of energy that hurts or pollutes the earth. Solar power is a wonderful development, and with the help of this land, it could change not only America, but eventually the world. It is understandable the Native Americans feel strongly about their land, however it is for a better cause.
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