I recently caught up with an old coworker of mine, who used to work with me at my dad’s restaurant. Somehow we got on the topic of green energy. Maybe because it’s such a common thought on everyone’s minds lately, especially for those of us living in Sherburne County and wondering about energy reliability as Xcel moves closer to closing down the Sherco plant. 

Now there were three people involved in this conversation (me, my former coworker, and a friend of mine). We have varying political views, and I know there are many things we might disagree on. But all of us were of the same mind on one thing: nuclear energy is the best solution for building up our energy infrastructure. It has proven to be a reliable source of power for over 70 years! The power plant over in Monticello has been powering our homes for over 50 years. It’s been run by our friends and neighbors, people we trust. And to top it all, IT”S GREEN ENERGY!

It seems like our politicians are searching for some kind of miracle breakthrough in technology that offers reliable power and zero carbon emissions, but we’ve had that technology for the last 70 years. Nuclear energy has a miniscule environmental impact in comparison with solar panels which cannot be recycled and occupy vast amounts of land that could otherwise be used for agriculture or natural habitat. 

I know that harnessing power from the sun can be really great (in the right circumstances), but just because solar energy is a buzzword right now doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for Sherburne County. Is it the right choice for a private landowner who wants to power their home? Yes! How about in the desert, away from natural wildlife habitats? Absolutely! On the rooftops of commercial buildings as a way to offset the business’s carbon footprint? Fantastic! As an inefficient replacement for one of the highest-producing energy plants in the state? Maybe not.

Readers, I encourage you to reach out to your elected officials and let them know you support green, clean, reliable nuclear energy. Even if you’ve reached out in the past, do so again. Bang this drum until our politicians and Xcel Energy finally hear us!