Diversify Oklahoma economy to include more solar energy

Oklahoma and Michigan go together like pan and oven mitt. Both have experienced economic busts within the past 10 years. Michigan has recovered soundly, yet Oklahoma is still struggling. The state should learn from Michigan’s recovery by diversifying its energy sector. Efforts to diversify Michigan’s economy have resulted in long-term stability. Motor vehicle and parts manufacturing filled just 7.6 percent of the state’s GDP in 2012 compared with 12.8 percent in 2000, according to a 2015 report by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. The center also noted that chemical and textile manufacturing both added more jobs than auto and auto parts manufacturing from 2009 to 2012. By diversifying its manufacturing sector, Michigan has achieved long-term job growth and economic stability.

Oklahoma can emulate Michigan’s recovery by expanding within the renewable energy sector. The state already ranks fourth in installed wind capacity according to the American Wind Energy Association. Turbine projects continue to move forward throughout the state. However, solar power holds Oklahoma’s biggest opportunity. The state ranked 42nd in installed solar capacity in 2014, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Diversifying the economy to include solar cell manufacturing and installation would not only make Oklahoma a national energy leader, but also give it much-needed economic stability.

Joseph Van Harn, Norman

 

Diversify Oklahoma economy to include more solar energy