It’s time to boost hydroelectric power

Stan Broselow, Las Vegas

Friday, June 4, 2010 | 2:04 a.m.

The disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has resulted in numerous discussions on the need for wide-scale development of renewable energy that does not rely on the burning of hydrocarbons such as oil, gas and coal. Wind is widely considered an acceptable source of renewable energy, but the amount of power being generated by wind is small compared to the total need.

What I do not hear discussed is the potential for huge amounts of power from hydroelectric and tidal sources. The development of these projects would require large investments of money and put a lot of people back to work. But think of the returns — no dependence on foreign oil and a clean atmosphere. Ireland and Norway have projects under way. Why not us?

The United States depends on hydroelectric projects like Hoover Dam for 6 percent of its energy needs. Additional projects were thwarted years ago by environmentalists concerned about what might happen to fish in the rivers. The coal industry also fought strenuously against these projects because of the competition.

The time has come to set aside these relatively petty grievances and turn to development of a huge array of permanent assets generating power for the foreseeable future without damaging the environment by burning fossil fuels.