Founding of the European Platform Against Windfarms (EPAW)
In Paris today, on the occasion of the international demonstration against wind farms, German, Belgian, Spanish and French federations and associations have founded the European Platform Against Windfarms (EPAW).
This project has received the support of colleagues from 16 countries representing several hundred federations and associations.
The founding members of this platform have agreed to make the following declaration:
1) Ecological deception and financial scandal
It has now been proved that industrial windpower does not reduce CO2 emissions and therefore does not contribute to the fight against global warming. This is principally due to the intermittent and uncontrollable nature of wind, which makes it necessary to rely on the back-up of polluting fossil-fuel power stations, 24 hours a day.
Industrial windpower is subsidized by the taxpayer-consumer.
In France for example, if the national plan is realized (12,500 wind turbines!) this burden will amount to 2.5 billion euros annually. In Germany, it is already costing 4 billion euros a year.
At a time when Europe is facing a deep economic crisis, it is not acceptable that the standard of living of Europeans be further reduced in favour of businessmen whose objective seems to be maximizing profits whatever the consequences.
Industrial windfarms are a threat to the environment.
Landscapes, the natural and cultural heritage, wildlife, quality of life, the security and health of Europeans are in danger !
2) The demands made by EPAW: an immediate moratorium and more transparency
The platform demands an immediate moratorium with the suspension of all windfarm projects, approved or not.
The platform demands that be assessed, under the control of an independent body, the objective and undisputable effects of wind farms from energy, ecological and social points of view.
The platform finally demands that the guaranteed pricing of wind-produced electricity be made the object of both a public and a parliamentary debate, at national and european levels.
Paris, Saturday Oct. 4th 2008
Signed by :
- European Associations and Federations participating in the assembly of October 4th 2008
- Spain: Iberica 2000
- Belgica: Vent Contraire, Vent de Raison
- France: FED : Fédération Environnement Durable (Fédération nationale),
- France: FNASSEM — Fédération Nationale des Associations de Sauvegarde ses Sites et Monuments
- Germany: BLS (Bundesverband Landschaftsschutz — landscape protection, federation of 800 local committees),
- Germany: NAEB (Nationale Anti EEG Bewegung – against windfarms)
Contacts:
- Kléber ROSSILLON (FNASSEM): 06 07 21 88 64 kleber.rossilllon@wanadoo.fr
- Emmanuel du BOULLAY (FED): 06 13 54 49 07 emmanuel.du-boullay@laposte.net
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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