Wind Power News: Press releases
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.
Faced with notice of ESA violations, FWS agrees to reconsider Shaffer Mountain biological opinion
The federally endangered Indiana bat won a significant reprieve recently when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that it would reinitiate consultation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Gamesa’s proposed Shaffer Mountain Wind Project in Bedford and Somerset Counties in Pennsylvania. As a result, the Army Corps of Engineers will hold its final decision in abeyance pending the conclusion of that consultation, which will determine whether, and with what conditions, the proposed 30-turbine industrial wind project can . . .
Wind power could kill millions of birds per year by 2030
American Bird Conservancy (ABC), the nation’s leading bird conservation organization, said today that the build-out of wind energy proposed by the federal government to meet a Department of Energy target of generating 20% of the nation’s electricity through wind power is expected to kill at least one million birds per year by 2030, and probably significantly more. ABC considers the one million estimate, which is based on a 2005 paper1 and widely cited by the wind industry, as likely a . . .
‘Ridges are not renewable day’: Film, experts call for pause in Big Wind development
Thursday’s ‘Ridges Are Not Renewable Day’: Film, Experts Call For Pause in Big Wind Development Experts to Testify, “Impacts Need to be Assessed Before Development Continues” On Thursday February 2nd utility-scale wind opponents from communities across Vermont will head to the State House for “Ridges Are Not Renewable Day.” They will call on lawmakers to call a “time out” on further utility-scale wind development in the state to give regulators, communities, and experts time to assess impacts from recently constructed projects. As . . .
Dong Energy abandons attempt to place wind turbines in Kappel
It took the Kappel Group 5-1/2 years of exhausting struggle – but it has been worth it! Friday 27 January 2012: Dong Energy* has confirmed that they have abandoned their immense wind turbine project of 40 MW in Kappel. Kappel citizens and the many summer home owners in the area can now breathe a sigh of relief and no longer fear having their sleep and health destroyed by wind turbine noise. One local residents’ association and 39 property owners in . . .
OFA position statement on Industrial Wind Turbines
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) supports the intentions of the Green Energy Act. We agree that Ontario needs to secure affordable and renewable energy for its future while reducing green house gas emissions. We encourage efforts to replace imported power, facilitate conservation and stimulate economic development through our energy requirements. However, the situation regarding Industrial Wind Turbines (IWT) has become untenable. The proliferation of wind turbines across rural Ontario has seriously polarized our rural communities. Residents not engaged in . . .
Ohio Power Siting Board approves construction of Black Fork Wind Farm
Columbus, Ohio (Jan. 23, 2012) – The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) today approved an agreement that authorizes Black Fork Wind Energy to construct a wind farm along the Crawford and Richland county line. The facility will consist of up to 91 wind turbines capable of generating a combined 200 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Black Fork plans to begin construction in March 2012 and to have the facility online by December. The company estimates that between $51 and $69 million . . .
Spanish turnaround on renewable energy?
Minister ponders the need for more wind farms ~ The World Council for Nature (WCFN) supports the Spanish government’s no-nonsense assessment of the energy situation in Spain. In two separate interviews on January 18th and 19th, the Energy Minister of the new government declared that there may be no need in his country for more investment in renewable energy, at least for several years. On Wednesday José Manuel Soria, Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism, said on Spanish television “TVE . . .
Ontario Federation of Agriculture calls on government to suspend wind turbine development
Guelph, ON [January 20, 2012] – Escalating concerns about industrial wind turbines have prompted the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) to urge the province of Ontario to suspend further development until farm families and rural residents are assured that their interests are adequately protected. The OFA unveiled its strong stance in a new position statement on industrial wind turbines, released today, that will be presented to government later this month. Since 2007, when the development of industrial wind turbines began . . .
Wind farm forums
Senator John Madigan will be holding a series of Public Forums on wind farms with the first one scheduled to be held in South Australia at the Clare Town Hall on January 24. The Forums are being called after the Federal government’s failure to act on the seven recommendations published by the Senate Inquiry into Wind Farms in its final report of June 2011. Senator John Madigan said the lives and health of the residents living near wind farms were . . .
Wind company and farm owner sued over proposed project
Wind developer WPD Canada and a farm that signed a lease to host wind turbines are now both being sued. The claim seeks an injunction and $2 million in damages related to the proposed Fairview Wind Farm in Stayner. “This claim seems unique because the owner of the proposed farm is also being sued” said lawyer Eric Gillespie. “Landowners who decide to allow turbines may need to look carefully at their legal position and potential liability” he said. The claim . . .
