Summary
Wind is a key alternative energy where it is available and will not cause a disruption for migratory birds. We need to keep their needs in mind as well. However, there are many windy areas where these systems can and do work and these sites should be expanded. In addition to this, thin film solarvoltaics should also be accelerated as this has the highest potential of meeting our energy needs on the long term. These thin film systems have grown in efficientcy to the point now where they are economical for large scale applications. In addition to this, the development of solar thermal and wave energy also need to be expanded to provide options to those area where wind is not. I would say, lets stay away from Nuke since we still have no adequate way to store the waste.
Analysis
Both the Government and local public utilities should be encouraging the development, deployment and use of small scale single residential wind turbines to help reduce the overall need to power. Such units along with solarvoltaics on the roof of homes would greatly reduce the over all consumptive needs of the US. But it will take credits, changes in laws and rules to make this happen. Some cities like Austin TX already encourage this kind of behavior and have demonstrated that it can and does work.
