The people, the feasibility; can we make some difference?

Let's hope the cut in coal prices helps us and makes the plea for renewable energy more welcomed.
Ram has got me thinking about whether the people of the region are informed about the advantages/disadvantages of establishing renewable energy resources. Are the people in the region educated about energy and energy resources in the region? In last class, it was said that a government representative was hesitant to meet with us because he thought we might be too assertive about renewable energy and not have an open mind to coal. Is this the common belief? Does the average Appalachian know about the benefits of coal and renewable energy? Do they even care, or have a say in what happens to the land around them?

I think my biggest question has to be about how renewable energy and coal compare as energy sources for the Appalachian region. The area is known for producing energy from coal, but does this mean that other energy sources can be just as productive in this region? They both have their advantages, but when things such as money needed to start renewable energy projects, and the efficiency of these sources come in to question, how does renewable energy compare as an alternative? In conjunction with Anna, is it more feasible to change; does it make sense?

In terms of my expectations... I hope to actually see a difference made because of our visit, and directly observe the steps the region is taking toward sustainability and environmental preservation. ++I'm just really excited to see this place!