Keep clean energy in good favor

An old-fashioned windmill might make a charming yard ornament, but the bigger, more modern version is getting attention these days in some suburbs.

As the nation's ambitions turn toward alternative energy sources, local businesses and residents are considering cleaner ways to generate power and heat. Those in green-minded Lake County seem to be taking the lead. Prairie Crossing, a conservation community in Grayslake, uses wind to power its organic farm. A small wind turbine brings power to a Gurnee restaurant, and Fremont Elementary District 79 in Mundelein is considering the use of alternative energy.

But the winds of opposition are blowing, too. A turbine that powers a Libertyville business has been criticized by some nearby residents for being too noisy. A court order shut down the generator until the company voluntarily turned it off, and officials now are working with neighbors to resolve their differences.

And homeowners in southern DeKalb County fought the installation of a wind farm that will include 119 40-story turbines. They fear noise and an altered landscape will drive their property values down. The county board approved it in June but is now considering a moratorium on future wind farms.

The U.S. House nine days ago passed the so-called climate bill, which would limit emissions of greenhouse gases from power plants and refineries and push the country toward clean energy. The complex bill squeaked by, with defections by eight Republicans, including Rep. Mark Kirk, a big proponent of alternative energy. The Senate is expected to take up the bill in the fall. If it becomes law, consumers are almost certain to share the cost burden - up to $175 a year for a typical homeowner, the Congressional Budget Office estimates. In the long term, however, more "green" jobs would be created. Wind, solar and nuclear power are obvious winners.

But back to our suburbs. While it's natural for opposition to accompany even positive changes, some of this resistance could be lessened with foresight and proper planning. Lincolnshire is an example of a village taking the right steps. Officials have approved a four-month moratorium on the installation of wind or solar generators while they work to develop an ordinance that would legalize them. While the village does not yet have any such generators in town, officials want to "get ahead of the curve," Mayor Brett Bloomberg told the Daily Herald. He hopes the village staff will soon develop rules for alternative energy generators that both businesses and residents can live with.

Cost savings, tax incentives and positive publicity all are reasons for companies to join the clean-energy wave. Even homeowners are starting to get on board. The federal legislation and local efforts are steps toward reduced carbon emissions and a better future. But before there's a less-than-charming windmill on every other block, we urge local communities to consider adopting ordinances to help make progress a very positive thing for all.