In the last couple of years, we’ve had drought in the South, tornadoes in the South and Midwest, floods in the Mississippi River basin, hurricanes Irene and Sandy in the East, wildfires in the West and thousands of high temperature daily records across the United States. Munich Re, the largest reinsurance company, stated North America has experienced almost a five-fold increase in weather disasters over the past three decades, and such events will continue.

What to do? Increased use of alternative sources of energy will help.

Using job-creating incentive funds Alabama voters approved in November, production facilities for solar energy equipment could become a reality.

Installations utilizing solar energy are already operational at the Lee County Justice Center, the Opelika City Hall and at Fort Rucker. If Alabama lawmakers would modify the tax structure, solar equipment and installation would be more attractive for builders and consumers.

The production of solar energy in Alabama would create manufacturing and installation jobs and also improve human health by reducing air and water pollution. It could also help reduce the frequency and severity of the weather events mentioned above. We really ought to get on with it, without delay.

David Newton
Auburn