Wind Power News: Editorials
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.
Editorial: Windmills of death
There’s a killer on the loose. Known for murdering in cold blood with a sharp blade, the government has nevertheless turned a blind eye to the killer’s trail of death and destruction. The lucky ones who survive are maimed and left to die. The American taxpayer is forced to subsidize the slaughter. We’re not taking here about the Tsarnaev brothers and their welfare-fueled electronic benefit cards, or about ravenous and evil blackbirds that feed on robins and their helpless young. . . .
Waiting for results of wind turbine study would be prudent
One of the biggest wind energy projects is about to invade our landscape with more than 300 additional wind turbines. Although a green energy project is admirable we should be asking if this project is appropriate now, just a matter of months before the Health Canada research study is due. On July 11, 2012, Health Canada acknowledged a growing number of complaints about reported negative health effects on people living near wind turbines. Faced with the increased concerns a $1.8 . . .
Our View: Data shows need for action on wind turbines in Fairhaven
State testing shows that the two industrial turbines on Arsene Street in Fairhaven at times violate state noise regulations. It doesn’t happen all the time and testing is not finished, but this news is certainly enough for town officials to take notice — and to take action. The state Department of Environmental Protection took 24 tests at five locations around the turbines — based on the preponderance of complaints — and found excessive noise five times at three of the . . .
Wind farms proposal in France an affront to memories of Canadian soldiers
The French government’s proposal to build wind farms off the coast of Normandy, including Juno Beach, where so many allied soldiers died freeing that country from Nazi tyranny, is an affront to all Canadians. The French government is asking for feedback on the proposal from representatives of the allied nations who took part in D-Day. Every Canadian citizen who values freedom in this country, and respects the memories of the soldiers who died for the freedom of Europe in the . . .
Three scandals shatter our trust in the federal government
Three current scandals should concern every American, because they attack our traditional faith in a government of laws, a government that treats all Americans alike and fairly. Americans have always trusted that this was a government where the freedom of speech and the freedom to disagree with the government was sacred. Federal officials could not retaliate against you because you disagree with them. We always realized that in other nations, the government would subject dissidents to added scrutiny and specially . . .
Our View: Falling blade brings heavy toll?
If a turbine falls in the desert, would anyone hear it? In this case, when environmentalists and the residents of nearby Ocotillo are watching for any little misstep, the answer is yes. The failure of one of 112 turbines in the Ocotillo Express wind farm was heard loud and clear. A year ago, at a county Board of Supervisors meeting, Pattern Energy senior developer Glen Hodges defended the safety and quality of equipment made by Siemens Energy, manufacturers of the . . .
Editorial: Lady Justice wears blindfold for a reason
In Raleigh, protestors are claiming the Republican-dominated lawmakers’ actions are “morally indefensible.” We hope those same protestors get a good look toward Washington, D.C., and the actions of President Barack Obama’s administration. According to an impact report from The Associated Press, the Obama administration has turned a blind eye toward eagles and the laws of our country versus the commerce and political platform of renewable energy. In assessing the lengthy report and its evidence presented, we believe a sense of . . .
Vote Yes on Question 2
It is unfortunate that what began as such a noble cause has unfolded as a monumental error. Falmouth was among the leaders of communities with vision when it took advantage of state and federal incentives to buy and erect turbines in West Falmouth. Getting the turbines up was a long process that needed to clear a number of hurdles, including Town Meeting votes and FAA approvals. Falmouth was breaking new ground in the energy field and its turbines promised to . . .
Fire that destroyed $4 million wind turbine raises serious questions over lack of reporting requirements
Why is there no federal requirement for wind farm operators to report fires? That troubling fact came to light following a turbine malfunction that caused a fire, destroying a $4 million wind turbine at the Kibby Mountain facility in Maine. Opponents accuse Trans-Canada of a cover up, the Bangor Daily News reports. (Trans-Canada, builder of the project, is also the company seeking to construct the controversial Keystone Pipeline.) A sensor in the turbine detected the fire. But an employee did . . .
Our View: We played our role
Tooting our own horn is reserved for the Saturday editorial, which is only read by our most loyal readers. Often when a newspaper expresses its pride, the tune can sound out of key to readers who don’t share the opinion. But it was the role the newspaper played in creating awareness within the community that caught our attention this week. Wednesday, Arizona Audubon announced it will file an objection to a special use permit granted to Red Horse 2, LLC, . . .
