Print edition: 
Federal subsidies for wind are OK?
Wind energy has a wonderful sound to it and has plenty of ardent supporters, including our staunchly conservative governor who has previously declared, on behalf of us all, that Kansas didn't need tainted federal money or its pernicious influence on our Kansas values. But all wind energy, including BP's new wind farm (Oct. 4 Eagle), is heavily subsidized by the federal government.
According to federal tax code, the $800 million BP project qualifies for 100 percent bonus depreciation, which enables it to deduct all of its capital costs in the first year. In addition, wind energy gets a two-cent-per-kilowatt-hour tax credit that lasts for 10 years.
It is also worth noting that, depending on commodity prices and the cost of installation, the electricity generated from wind energy is anywhere from two to six times as costly as that generated by conventional facilities using natural gas — a readily available and undervalued commodity in this country.
Gov. Sam Brownback needs to explain the difference between this project and the money he sent back to Washington, D.C., because I am confused and beginning to think that corporations make bigger campaign contributions than non-profit organizations. But that's just crazy talk, right?
ROBERT STOLZLE
Goddard
Bill hurt Kansas
If President Obama's jobs bill had simply increased employment opportunities for those currently and chronically unemployed, I would have supported it. However, that was not the case, and the additions to this bill were against the best interests of Kansas and our nation as a whole.
Government officials said that the bill would have taken incentives away from "Big Oil," which some equate to fighting big businesses that have wronged them in the past. But the incentives were too small to register on any truly large oil company's radar. This would not "punish"' them for past perceived wrongdoings.
Those that would be affected by the removal of drilling incentives are the small, independently owned oil companies that create and maintain jobs in Kansas. Without the tax exemptions in place to protect independent oil and gas producers from incurring staggering losses from discovery and exploration costs, those companies would cease to produce and, thus, cease to exist.
I support a new, simpler jobs bill that has already been suggested by the president and by members of both political parties. I will support a version that truly supports the expansion and continuation of a reliable domestic energy source in Kansas, effectively creating jobs and reducing the nation's dependence on overseas oil.
BAILEY BLAIR
Wichita
Protecting coast
The work of the U.S. Coast Guard is not often talked about in Kansas, but it should not be without recognition ("Coast Guard talks down pilot as his fuel runs out," Oct. 9 Eagle). It is important for us to have protection and safety measures along our coastline and among our states. The Coast Guard proved its abilities and worth and performed exceptionally when it helped a pilot running low on fuel to safely land his plane in the ocean. It is a comfort to know that the Coast Guard is watching, and it is nice to see it recognized.
MICAH BOUMA
Clearwater
Harming Quivira
In the middle part of the state is a diamond in the rough — Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. It covers many miles of scenic Kansas terrain with beautiful trees, bushes, large saltwater ponds and many different species of wildlife.
I guess I need to retract some of that last statement. The harsh hot summer has dried up many of the ponds and waterways. I am sad to think that this coming winter I may see few waterfowl, raptors and eagles.
But not all the damage has been caused by the weather. Some biologist or engineer decided to cut down trees and bushes deemed to be not natural habitat. That has resulted in very little shade and habitat for deer and other mammals, including coyotes, foxes and raccoons.
They claim they have taken out all the trees and bushes brought in by man. But who are they to know seeds or branches might have been carried in by wildlife?
Whoever sanctioned this action may have reasons and statistics to support why they did so. They will try to say it hasn't hurt the wildlife. But as someone who has spent a lot of time in the beautiful Quivira nature, I know the wildlife are now few and far between.
MIKE SCHEUFLER
Wichita
