First in Flight, so why not Wind?

This graph shows the total offshore wind capacity of the Eastern Seaboard,state by state. Way on the top is our Tarheel state, leading the way by more than 54 GW. After reading this graph it is dumbfounding why our state hasn't pushed for wind more strongly.
Now, here is another graph; wind is absent:

We currently get most of our energy from coal, a non-renewable resource. The term "fossil fuels" may come to mind when you think of coal. Coal-fired power plants release carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas, into our atmosphere. Well, something that isn't as controversial as greenhouse gases that maybe should be are the links between coal and mercury.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water, and soil. It is also found in many rocks, including coal. When coal is burned, mercury is released into the air and eventually settles into water or onto land where it can be washed into water. When mercury enters into the water, it transforms into methylmercury, a most toxic form. Small organisms consume it as they eat food in the water, which makes its way up the food chain and into our bodies when we consume contaminated fish and shellfish. In NC, coal-fired power plants account for 70% of man-made airborne emissions of mercury; so it should be no surprise that both the White Oak and New Rivers are under a fish consumption advisory for mercury. You can read more about mercury at the EPA's website.
It is urgent that our state, as well as our country, wean itself off of non-renewable energy sources. Not only is coal going to eventually run out, but it is clearly a public health issue. Wind not only offers our state a cleaner, safer future; but, economic opportunities as well. Executive Order Number 96, signed by Governor Bev Perdue in July 2011 established North Carolina's Offshore Wind Economic Development Task Force. The Order states that "studies have shown that the water off the NC coast have sufficient wind resources to generate 130% of the state's total energy use." It has also been reported that "offshore wind would sustain 243 new long-term jobs and bring $21.1 million a year to local economies."
These opportunities for our state are being highlighted at an Offshore Wind Forum being held this evening at 7pm at the Carteret Community College in Morehead City. This is the third forum being held at a university in the past 5 months. You can learn more about the forum taking place this evening at the JDNews. These events being held show that offshore wind energy is a promising next step to be taken for our state.
