Wind Power News: Rhode Island
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Stop East Bay Energy Consortium bill
East Bay Energy Consortium Act must be stopped before it creates another quasi-governmental agency with too much power, including eminent domain. The East Bay Energy Consortium, given a grant by the Economic Development Corporation two years ago, was originally envisioning a $75 million project to develop alternative energy – wind turbines in East Bay communities and selling that energy to National Grid. What has emerged is a bill that creates a quasi-government entity granting unleashed powers to appointees or unelected . . .
Tiverton wind project slammed by opponents
PROVIDENCE — Opposition to the state’s largest proposed wind turbine project is being fueled by two words: “eminent domain.” The term has raised the ire of political groups and government skeptics in recent months, as the East Bay Energy Consortium (EBEC) has pushed for legislation to establish itself as a public-private state agency. During a May 2 Statehouse hearing, political ideologues were quick to dispel the project as a land-grabbing threat to free society. Lisa Blais of Ocean State Tea . . .
Many health problems can arise from turbine
As a long-time Jamestown resident who moved here in 1981, my family and I have enjoyed the rural town atmosphere and the easy access to ocean activities that Jamestown offers. I have worked in the defense industry for most of my career and I have degrees in electrical engineering and ocean engineering. Most recently, I have been supporting the Naval Underwater Systems Center in homeland-defenserelated programs. I have been observing with interest the on-going debate on whether or not to . . .
Portsmouth backs East Bay energy legislation
PORTSMOUTH — Legislation that would create the opportunity for a public East Bay Energy Consortium (EBEC) was given support by the Portsmouth Town Council April 25. The council voted 4-3, Councilors Judi Staven, Elizabeth Pedro, and Paul Kesson against, to support introduction of the legislation. The vote does not allow Portsmouth to join the consortium once it is created without a further vote. Portsmouth is one of nine East Bay cities and towns that are eligible for participation in EBEC, . . .
‘Dangerous’ bill builds wind authority
There is a very dangerous bill currently coming up for review in the House on Wednesday, May 2. The House Bill, H7592 was introduced by Representatives Gallison, Malik, Morrison, Edwards, and Handy on February 16, 2012. The Senate Bill 2870 is sponsored by Senator Lou De Palma, with the support of Senators Paiva-Weed and Chris Ottiano. It has been deemed to be a “dangerous” bill by Rhode Island Statewide Coalition, is too far-reaching, and has too much power. It is . . .
Fatal blow to private property rights
At the April 23 Town Council meeting, four councilors struck a fatal blow to the private property rights of Tiverton landowners. Councilors Lambert, Leonard, Pelletier and Roderick voted for a resolution in support of H 7592/S 2870 legislation giving eminent domain powers to the East Bay Energy Consortium. With the enactment of this legislation, East Bay Energy Consortium would be formed as a quasi governmental entity and have power to take private property under eminent domain. All municipal land (i.e. . . .
Deepwater submits cable application to feds
Deepwater Wind has officially submitted plans for a cable connecting Block Island and the mainland to the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), project manager Bryan Wilson reported to the town’s Electric Utility Task Group Monday. The cable would be part of Deepwater’s proposed 30-megawatt offshore wind farm within three miles of the southeast side of the island. The project could be the first offshore wind farm in the United States and the cable would connect the island to . . .
Planners delay turbine vote; Commissioners say they lack adequate data to either approve or deny plan
The progress of Jamestown’s wind turbine initiative stalled last week, as residents argued that the Planning Commission should “slow down” its review of the multimillion dollar plan. The commissioners agreed, delaying their expected vote on the proposal until their concerns are addressed with additional input. The commission held its marathon meeting on April 18. If the panel had voted to accept the turbine development plan, the proposal would have proceeded to its final regulatory hurdle: a Zoning Board review. But . . .
Let’s not degrade island’s beauty
Jamestown is being challenged in its efforts to balance the civic needs of its residents – public services (schools, police, etc.) and a sustainable habitat that meets recreational and aesthetic needs. The proposed wind turbine and unresolved Fort Getty projects threaten the existing positive balance. Consider Jamestown as a landscape. Its natural beauty and attractions lie in its insular character, surrounded by the views and vistas that Dutch Island and East and West passages provide, with Beavertail, Fort Getty and . . .
DiLibero resigns
March 12 marked the beginning of the end for DiLibero’s job as administrator. At a council meeting, it was revealed that he had been aware since January 2011 of National Park Service objections to the installation of wind turbines at Ninigret Park, but had failed to inform the council of his communications with the agency.
Citing the turbine issue, the Charlestown Citizens Alliance, a local political advocacy group, had been calling for DiLibero’s termination for several weeks. CCA sent out a series of emails featuring comments from its readers, largely critical of DiLibero.
