Lone Star progress should inspire energy plans here.

COLUMN: IN OUR OPINION; EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE

Faced with a ravenous appetite for electricity, Texas these days is finding that one answer to its energy needs is literally blowing in the wind. Given the potential offered by this renewable energy resource, its efforts illustrate just how important is the Patrick administration's support for Cape Wind and other renewable energy projects.

The Texas Public Utility Commission last week approved a $4.9 billion plan to build transmission lines capable of carrying enough power for 4 million homes. Texas passed California as the No. 1 wind power producer in 2006.

Massachusetts, by contrast, is trapped in the doldrums. Although the state ranks an abysmal 29th in wind power nationwide, Cape Wind has been delayed for years by opposition from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and others. Still, the Patrick administration's vigorous support for the project and other alternative energy sources offers hope that the political winds are shifting.

Putting 130 turbines in Nantucket Sound may seem modest by Texas standards, but it would represent a solid step toward achieving Massachusetts' wind-power potential - and real progress toward more environmentally responsible energy production.