Offshore windmills will aid economy and environment

Wind as an alternative energy source is in our nature along the coast. And area residents, businesses, tourists and marine recreationists are in agreement.

A six-month study conducted by Clemson University in 2012 proves just that point with more than 80 percent of survey respondents sharing that they were “in favor or not against offshore wind development.”

Shortly thereafter, the City of North Myrtle Beach passed a legislative resolution to pursue wind as an alternative energy source. And we’ve since continued to position ourselves as a highly desirable location for offshore wind turbines and a leader in the alternative energy movement. What does that really mean?

It means that North Myrtle Beach has been identified as a premier site for offshore wind development investment because it has multiple options for off-take and delivery of power to growing populations and regions throughout the East Coast.

In fact, of the four offshore tracts throughout the Carolinas currently being considered for offshore wind development, North Myrtle Beach would offer the largest tract at 885 square nautical miles and the most robust grid without needing an infrastructure upgrade. It would not only have the largest positive impact on our community by producing alternative energy, but also approximately $17 million annually in economic impact and hundreds of local jobs.

We can also begin to factor in utility costs that are projected to continue to rise over the next few years and into the future. And as these monthly power bills increase and technology closes the gap on wind as a lower cost option, this form of renewable energy just makes sense.

In addition, the General Assembly passed a resolution in 2013 that would likely cause the wind energy lease blocks to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division. The oversight and jurisdiction would help ensure that these tracts are managed in a manner similar to our beautiful artificial reefs, with an emphasis on smart leadership, conservation and preserving our coastal way of life.

Counter arguments to these benefits include that wind turbines would damage our natural landscape and pristine ocean views. This just isn’t the case though. North Myrtle Beach’s offshore tract that is currently being considered for windmills would be 10 miles offshore. To put this in perspective, a 5’7” person standing on the ground (or beach in our case) has a horizon distance of 2.9 miles. That means that the horizon ends approximately 3 miles in front of them. If that same person were standing on a hill or a building 100 feet in height, their horizon distance would be 12.2 miles.

Given this information, we can safely deduce that virtually no one will be able to see the windmills that are situated 10 miles off our coastline unless they are in a tall building and the sky is clear. Keep in mind, humidity can also impact sky clarity and our region is not foreign to this. Based on this, most days of the year, residents and visitors alike would not see the windmills nor will they interfere with the coastal landscape that they have grown to love.

We are currently at a critical juncture in the next steps to developing our tract along with creating renewable energy and real economic benefits for our community. To help move us forward, we need our community’s voice and support. Here’s how you can help:

1. Contact the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to share your support.

Provide comments online at http://www.boem.gov/Submitting-Comments/ or mail form to: Office of Renewable Energy Programs, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 45600 Woodland Road (VAM-OREP), Sterling, VA 20166.

2. Write a letter to the editor in your local paper.

3. Attend a public hearing hosted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. For a schedule of events, visit http://www.boem.gov/South-Carolina/.

I urge you to support this powerfully positive initiative that will help not only us, but also the entire Grand Strand for years to come. Please lend your voice to the movement to continue serving as a leader within the alternative energy movement and to continue making North Myrtle Beach a community we can be proud to call home.

This story was originally published January 11, 2016 at 9:18 AM with the headline "Offshore windmills will aid economy and environment."