The growth of alternative energy is accelerating. Here and there across Orange County, photovoltaic systems are being installed, solar water heaters are appearing on rooftops, and geothermal systems are on the rise. A large solar electric generating system will soon be installed on White Cross Rd.

As the science fiction writer Bruce Sterling said, “The future is here. It just isn’t very well distributed yet.”

Local builder and environmentalist Tom O’Dwyer, who serves on the County’s Commission on the Environment, proposed that future developments be required to set aside suitable space for future solar installations. This evolved into a broader proposal to consider how the County might encourage all forms of alternative energy, as well as energy efficiency.

This idea is percolating through the County’s often tortoise-like staff and committee structure. It really needs a jump-start from the County Commissioners. A task force should be formed asap to consider the many issues and policy questions surrounding how we will incorporate and encourage local sustainable energy production and energy efficiency strategies.

If we make the right decisions and pro-actively address these issues, we can make Orange County a model of sustainable energy practices, boost economic activity, and become more resilient in a future which is likely to be more unpredictable than ever.

Related Stories
‹
In Carrboro and Orange County, A Push Back Against Pollution
The Carrboro Town Council and Orange County Commissioners both passed resolutions this week to tackle climate change.
'A Beautiful Effort': Community-Organized Hillsborough Climate Challenge Begins
Monday, April 1 will kick off the Hillsborough Climate Challenge – a full month of events highlighting sustainable activities for Hillsborough residents.
Chapel Hill Council Members Want Climate Plan Sooner
The Town of Chapel Hill took more steps toward creating a climate action plan at a meeting earlier this month. They reviewed a draft of the plan meant to improve the town’s environmental impact and promote ways for the community to become more sustainable. Since resolving to become eco-friendly in 2005, Chapel Hill has taken […]
Biggest Policy Failure in County History
At every nearly every fork in the solid waste policy road, Orange County has taken the wrong path. Now we are paying a heavy price for the political cage we built to trap ourselves. Starting with the doomed landfill search in the early 90’s, County leadership insisted on siting a mega-landfill (many potential sites were […]
Recycling, The Official Religion
The recycling movement has finally become an official religion. Have you ever felt guilty for throwing that glass bottle into the trashcan, instead of the recycling bin? I believe the emotion of guilt should be reserved for higher level trespasses such as those of a religious or moral nature. But we’ve all felt it in […]
Stop Speed Bumps!
Guest Column by Eric Plow In spite of a bad economy, dwindling tax revenues, and unmanageable fiscal debt, cities and towns all over the US have passed bonds (translation: borrowing money) to install thousands of speed bumps, along with 3-way and 4-way stop signs, in an effort to appease neighborhood activists who want to inconvenience anyone […]
The Morning News: UNC Football, Good and Bad
In today's news: positive and negative headlines about Carolina football as they gear up for Saturday's game at UConn.
Orange County Announces New Tax Administrator Amid Efforts to Address Property Value Inequities
Orange County's selected Crawford Bolton as its new tax administrator alongside efforts to update its property tax assessment process.
The Morning News: New Orange County Commissioners, Streak Ends For UNC Field Hockey
In today's news: the 2026 midterm brought huge wins for Democrats - and three new Orange County Commissioners.
New Cohort of Orange County Commissioners Aim to Bring 'Good Combination' to Board
Amid an election season of change, a new trio of Orange County commissioners believe their perspectives will add to the board.
›