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Kansas, Birds, Conservation, Lesser prairie chicken
31 Aug 2009
An ill wind?
Standing 20 feet tall and only a foot and a half thick, Teter Rock rises like a white sail above the grassland sea of Kansas’ Flint Hills. Limestone like this slab underlies all of the Flint Hills, sweetening the region’s grass and dulling any plow that dares till its thin soil. Replacing a stone cairn that helped 19th-century homesteaders navigate the open prairie, landowner Merle Teter cut this slab ...
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New Jersey, Press releases
01 Sep 2009
Political Arm-Twisting for Massive Delaware Bay Wind Farm
New Jersey under Pressure to Lift Ban on Wind Turbines in Migratory Bird Flyway
TRENTON, NJ – September 1 – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is being pressed behind-the-scenes to drop its opposition to wind farms in Delaware Bay, an internationally recognized migratory bird stopover, according to e-mails released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Documents reveal a powerful South Jersey Senator and a former DEP Commissioner pushing to reverse a DEP scientific finding that Delaware ...
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Michigan
01 Sep 2009
Wind energy hearing draws 60; State board seeks to identify areas of best wind potential
About 60 people took time out of their day Wednesday to hear a presentation and give comments to the state’s Wind Energy Resource Zone Board.
The board produced a report June 2 identifying the four areas with the most potential for wind production. Chairman Dave Walters gave a short overview of the report and the way the zones were arrived at prior to taking public comment.
One thing Walter stressed over and over again throughout the hearing was that people shouldn’t focus ...
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New Zealand
01 Sep 2009
Turbines stoush puts two firms in jeopardy
Listed companies in a bitter dispute over wind turbines at a Manawatu project are warning of serious financial risks if the impasse is not resolved.
NZ Windfarms says it does not know if it can pay its debts as they fall due while it considers issues with the turbines at the Te Rere Hau site near Palmerston North.
It needs to raise more money to complete the project but says it would not finalise funding until it had a better understanding of ...
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West Virginia
01 Sep 2009
WindForce panel this Thursday
KEYSER — US WindForce will conduct the regular month meeting of its Community Advisory Panel Thursday night at the WindLea Banquet Center, with a state energy official to address the group on the eve of the West Virginia Public Service Commission’s hearing on the proposed 23-turbine wind farm.
Bill Willis, a program coordinator with the West Virginia Division of Energy, will be the guest speaker for the meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. WindForce officials said Willis will be speaking about ...
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Indiana
01 Sep 2009
Wind-farm meeting tonight
JAMESTOWN — Officials with a company aiming to create a wind farm in Boone County are meeting property owners and concerned residents tonight.
The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at Cochran’s Banquet Hall on Jamestown’s Main Street. Gestamp contractor Linda Brice refused comment about what will be discussed when reached this afternoon.
Advertisement
Gestamp plans to install 130 turbines in Jackson Township, in southwest Boone County, and is offering landowners $14,000 per 400-foot turbine annually. A second company, enXco, reportedly plans to ...
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Nebraska
01 Sep 2009
Planners mull wind energy zoning
It’s coming.
Wind energy is making it’s way across the country and throughout Nebraska. Now, there’s a good chance it will be coming to Hamilton County.
While there aren’t any large wind farms in the area to date, there are some individuals in the area looking to make use of the renewable energy resource.
The Hamilton County Joint Planning Commission met last Tuesday night to discuss incorporating possible regulations into their comprehensive planning and zoning regulations with regard to wind energy.
Jim and Liz ...
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New York
01 Sep 2009
2 Steuben County wind power projects get $74M boost
The U.S. Treasury Department announced more than $74 million in grants to two clean energy projects in Steuben County through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Canandaigua Power Partners LIC of Cohocton, Steuben County, will receive $52,532,334. The Canandaigua Power Partners II LIC, also of Cohocton, will receive $22,296,494. The money is designated for wind power projects, according to a press release ...
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New Zealand
02 Sep 2009
Difference in turbine sizes unsightly, hearing told
Disparate wind turbine sizes on the Tararua Ranges look “experimental” and have created an adverse cumulative effect, a board of inquiry has heard.
An Environment Ministry-appointed board of inquiry tasked with deciding if the 121-turbine Turitea Wind Farm proposal ...
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[nww:division] Australia
03 Sep 2009 [nww:source]
Tests to measure wind farm noise
The University of Ballarat has begun investigating noise levels near Waubra Wind Farm, with residents claiming low frequency turbine sound is affecting their health.
Some say they have experienced headaches, nausea and sleep deprivation since the turbines began operating.
The tests will be done at various locations over the coming month in a bid to find out the exact cause of the noise, where it is coming ...
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[nww:division] Scotland
04 Sep 2009 [nww:source]
Viking partner will not stand by and let project fail
If the Shetland community does not proceed with the Viking windfarm its partner in the £800 million joint venture, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), may go it alone.
The early warning that there could be no stopping the giant windfarm if it wins planning consent has come ...
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Wales
06 Sep 2009
Wind farm threat to Wales’ national bird
An energy company has admitted precious Red Kites are at significant risk ...
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Letters, Vermont
07 Sep 2009
Much unknown about Ira project
Seeking approval for a project of massive impact prior to having the wind data complete raises a number of concerns.
Why would Vermont Community Wind Farm be willing to spend huge amounts of money on lawyers and experts only to find out that the wind does not blow enough to merit placement of wind towers? Why does the state of Vermont not have any siting standards for wind turbines?
The report on supporters of the developer is also of concern in that ...
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New Jersey
08 Sep 2009
Windfarm siting process begins
CAPE MAY – Fishermen’s Energy of New Jersey, one of three companies looking to create wind farms off of Atlantic City, is beginning to take scientific surveys to determine exactly where the wind farm should be located.
The Cape May-based fishing vessel Capt. Bob has been outfitted with scientific equipment to study a location 12 miles southeast of Atlantic City, according to Paul Gallagher, general counsel of Fishermen’s Energy.
To evaluate the site for wind turbine suitability, data is needed on environmental ...
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Iowa
08 Sep 2009
Wind farms in the future? County zoning wants to be prepared
No wind farms have yet moved to Plymouth County, but the county zoning board doesn’t want to be caught unaware.
The board met last Monday to start hashing out requirements should anyone propose to build a wind turbine farm in the county.
“Most counties are rewriting their zoning ordinance about these,” Plymouth County Zoning Administrator Alan Lucken said. “If a big wind farm came in here, we wouldn’t be representing our rural people well.”
Currently, he said, anyone wanting to erect a wind ...
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England
08 Sep 2009
Wind farms spreading like a cancer — council chairman
Wind farms are spreading like a cancer and Teesdale must not be seen as a soft touch by green energy firms, the chairman of Durham County Council says.
Cllr Brian Myers visited Bolam recently to find out more about Npower’s plan to build a wind farm near the village.
The unitary authority’s chairman told residents that he was worried about the spread of wind farms in County Durham.
He said: “At Tow Law, there are 32 turbines. Once they get a hold, they ...
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England
08 Sep 2009
Wind turbine blown off course
A planned wind turbine which sparked a backlash in Outwood has been scrapped because the site was too close to a helicopter landing site.
When Coca Coca announced plans for a 400ft turbine at its warehouse at Wakefield 41 industrial estate last October, nearby residents were not impressed.
They formed a 90-strong action group, saying the scheme would spoil the skyline, and raised possible health risks ...
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New York
10 Sep 2009
Theresa extends its ban on wind farms
THERESA — The Town Council extended a moratorium on wind energy facilities for three months in a unanimous vote at its regular meeting Wednesday. The moratorium will be in effect until Dec. 15.
No comments were made during a brief public hearing in advance of the vote.
The council passed a ban on wind energy development in January that ended June 15. In April, it passed a three-month extension of the measure until Sept. 15.
The moratorium was requested by the town Planning ...
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Opinions, Oregon
10 Sep 2009
Wind-energy rush threatens historic sites; Public funds being used to destroy historic treasures
In 1859, Oregon became a state because so many American settlers had come here on the Oregon Trail. In 1959, Oregon celebrated the centennial of statehood and commissioned public projects to identify and mark the Oregon Trail for the benefit of future generations.
In 1993, the 150-year anniversary of the Great Migration of 1843 on the Oregon Trail was celebrated. Guide books to the Oregon Trail sold by the thousands. Families took Oregon Trail vacation tours. Hundreds of thousands of people ...
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New Zealand
10 Sep 2009
Rangitikei residents fight for Mt Ruapehu
A group of residents is fighting a government-owned power company to try and save one of the North Island’s most well-known tourist attractions.
Meridian Energy is asking the Environment Court for permission to erect large wind turbines in an area stretching across the South-Eastern face of Mt Ruapehu.
Meridian Energy’s plans for over 50 wind turbines over a 47 square kilometre area of the volcanic plateau has brought farmers, tourism operators and Rangitikei residents to court against them.
Gill Duncan of Rangitikei Guardians ...
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Wisconsin, Environment, Health, Noise
10 Sep 2009
The war over wind; Critics say green groups are too tight with industry
It was the strangest sensation Lynda Barry ever felt: a near-constant vibration within her body.
“You know how sometimes, around your eye, you’ll get this little tic that kind of wiggles?” says Barry, of Footville, Wis., south of Janesville. “It was like having that in your ear and your chest. A pulsing. It’s the weirdest feeling!”
Barry was standing in a house in Fond du Lac County, near a wind farm. The vibration she felt was created by wind-power turbines, one just ...
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Massachusetts
11 Sep 2009
Selectmen, County Commission hope to slow state wind plan
A growing group of elected officials this week raced to stay ahead of a state plan that could allow large-scale commercial wind farms to built within three miles of the Vineyard’s southern shore, with little or no oversight ...
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Australia
11 Sep 2009
Myponga residents celebrate wind farm win
A seven-year fight with the state government and an overseas-owned electricity company has ended in victory for residents around Myponga and Sellicks Hill, south of Adelaide.
The State Government this week refused to give TrustPower any more time or variations for its proposed wind farm on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
While the company could have gone ahead and sought new approvals through a different process, the company yesterday afternoon announced it had abandoned its plans and would not proceed, to the cheers and ...
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Arizona
11 Sep 2009
Many turn out to protest Snowflake wind farm
SNOWFLAKE – During the latest round of discussions about the proposed renewable energy farm near Snowflake/Taylor, residents, Navajo County and NZ Legacy officials got another chance to ask questions and get answers last Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Only about half the number of people showed up to the evening meeting at NPC College in Snowflake as did on Monday, Aug. 31, but it was still a good turnout, according to Greg Loper, county planning director.
...
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Maine
11 Sep 2009
Wind project stirs Buckfield residents
BUCKFIELD — A well-attended, one-hour informational meeting on wind turbines Thursday night was followed by a public hearing and a Planning Board meeting on the subject.
Resident Jim Parker said he agreed that the wind turbines would increase the town’s tax base and reduce taxes. However, he pointed out that in a few years the state would reduce the Revenue Sharing funds to the town because of the higher tax base. He said a home assessed at $100,000 would ...
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U.K.
11 Sep 2009
‘Industrialise’ countryside with wind farms or face blackouts by 2016 – Government energy adviser
Large swathes of the British countryside will have to be “industrialised” to generate enough alternative energy to prevent blackouts by 2016, according to a key Government adviser.
Prof David MacKay, the newly appointed chief scientific adviser at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc), warned that the UK is on course to begin running out of power within seven years because new energy sources are not being built fast enough.
The Cambridge University scientist blamed public opposition to new wind ...
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England
11 Sep 2009
Shadow Minister to be told ‘no more wind farms’ during visit
The Shadow Minister for Local Government and Planning will be told that the East Riding cannot support any more wind farms when he visits the region to discuss the issue next week.
Bob Neill MP has been invited to a meeting at County Hall in Beverley, East Riding Council’s headquarters, on Tuesday to talk about the “proliferation” of wind farms in the area.
The meeting has been organised by fellow Tory Graham Stuart, the Beverley and Holderness MP, and will be attended ...
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Scotland
11 Sep 2009
Protestors set for wind farm event
Campaigners battling plans for a wind farm near Jedburgh will come face to face with the company behind the plans later today, writes Bob Burgess.
Swedish energy firm Vattenfall wants to build six turbines each around 360ft high near Whitton Loch about three miles east of the town. Action group Protect Your Cheviots (PYC) has been launched to co-ordinate opposition to the farm.
It’s being spearheaded by Jamie Innes of Newbigging Birks near Oxnam. He and fellow protestors will be at Vattenfall’s ...
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Pennsylvania
11 Sep 2009
Wind farm, sewage plan discussed
Two ongoing items occupied most of the Brady Township Supervisors’ meeting Tuesday.
The first is the problem of how to reach a solution acceptable to both residents who are concerned about potential problems with industrial wind turbines and the company that may build them.
Township resident Gary Swope, who has expressed concerns about the impact of the turbines at past meetings, said he had given the supervisors a letter prior to the meeting listing some problems three residents in Somerset County have ...
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Quebec
12 Sep 2009
Wind power pits neighbour vs. neighbour
An ill wind is blowing through this bucolic village, 200 kilometres east of Montreal.
Once-friendly neighbours don’t greet each other any more. Vandals rip down lawn posters and damage property. Threats fly. For-sale signs have sprouted. And provincial police have become a familiar presence at stormy municipal council meetings.
The issue tearing apart the lakeside community is a plan for a wind farm atop the green mountains that form its spectacular backdrop.
Opponents say the 50 white turbines, to rise 138 metres (450 ...
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News, Opinions, West Virginia
12 Sep 2009
Save Camp Allegheny Battlefield
News update and call for letters re: Highland New Wind Development’s proposed turbines on Tamarack Ridge in Virginia that would heavily impact the Camp Allegheny Battlefield in West Virginia. (The location is on both sides of US 250 at the WV-VA border.)
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources issued a formal complaint to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) on August 19. On August 26, the SCC issued an Order for a hearing regarding Highland New Wind’s failure to address historic ...
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Wisconsin
12 Sep 2009
Critics say wind turbines hurt land values
Land values have fallen on properties near wind turbines built as part of the largest wind power projects in the state, a study funded by wind-power critics says.
The study found property values have fallen by at least 19% for sales of land near the We Energies wind farm in Fond du Lac County, and at least 12% for sales of land near Invenergy LLC’s Forward Wind project in Fond du Lac and Dodge counties, a report by Appraisal Group One ...
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England
12 Sep 2009
South Lakeland couple set for wind turbine appeal
A farming couple ‘devastated’ by a planning inspector’s decision to approve six wind turbines near Old Hutton are appealing to the High Court.
The controversial plans for the 100 metre high turbines were given the go-ahead in July following a two-week public inquiry.
But Gilsmere Farm residents Rebecca and Brian Barnes, who would live and work just 600 metres ...
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Minnesota
13 Sep 2009
School’s plans for wind turbine in Woodbury are stalling
Plans for Woodbury’s first large wind turbine have sputtered to a halt.
Officials say odds are good that the turbine — which would have provided half the power for East Ridge High School — will never be built.
“Quite frankly, I’d say there is less than a 50 percent chance,” said Mike Vogel, director of operations for South Washington County Schools.
Woodbury officials say it might be next spring before the city adopts an ordinance that would allow the turbine. Even if that ...
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Kansas, Oklahoma
13 Sep 2009
Saving a prairie treasure
PAWHUSKA, Ok. — The road turns to gravel just past the front gates, rattling teeth and dashboards alike to enforce a de facto speed limit that keeps traffic ...
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Ontario
15 Sep 2009
Wind project on hold
A wind energy project planned for southeastern Grey County and northern Dufferin County is on hold pending the release of the regulations governing the province’s new Green Energy and Green Economy Act.
Given Royal assent on May 14, Bill 150 is intended to guide investment in renewable energy sources.
But developers are still waiting for the regulations that define the details of the legislation and flesh out the new policies with respect to municipal planning approvals, setback requirements and approval procedures.
“Due to ...
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Minnesota
15 Sep 2009
Informational meeting tonight on wind; As many as 21 turbines planned
MORGAN – An open house and public information meeting for a Large Wind Energy Conversion System (LWECS) in Brown and Redwood counties begins at 5 p.m., today at AgQuest.
The Minnesota Office of Energy Security Energy Facilities Permitting (EFP) staff will host a public information meeting on the project application at 6 p.m.
Interested people may comment orally at the public meeting on the application, the draft site permit and generally on the project.
Written comments may be submitted to the Office of ...
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Wisconsin
15 Sep 2009
Questions emerge over how, where to place wind farms
How close would you want to live to a wind farm? That’s a question lawmakers are considering as they try to create more wind energy projects.
State Senators are scheduled Tuesday to vote on a bill (SB 185), which would direct the Public Service Commission to set a statewide set of standards on where turbines could be sited in relation to homes and businesses.
As of now, depending on the county, those tall spinning turbines can as be close as 500 feet ...
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Massachusetts
15 Sep 2009
No go on backyard wind turbine proposal
WEYMOUTH — A proposal for a backyard wind turbine has been rejected, and the property owner will have to wait two years to reapply.
Landlord Joe Fantasia was hoping to install a 120-foot turbine at the four-unit apartment building he owns on Commercial Street, which is next to the Pingree Primary School.
He said in May it would power his 4,746-square-foot apartment building with energy to spare and he would look to sell that extra power back to the electrical grid.
But the ...
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Kentucky
15 Sep 2009
KU wants to charge for wind power
Kentucky Utilities Co. intends to purchase wind power ...
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New York
15 Sep 2009
Wind-farm lease buyouts coming to New York
A former Noble Environmental Power executive is now in the business of offering lump-sum payments to farmers and other land owners for their long-term agreements.
CHATEAUGAY — Wind-farm-lease holders may soon be able to opt for lump-sum payments for their anticipated lease agreements instead of waiting for periodic checks.
Chuck Hinckley, the former chief operating officer of Noble Environmental Power, is now CEO of American Wind Capital Co. in Essex, Conn., which just announced that it has had an infusion of cash ...
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Press releases, U.K.
15 Sep 2009
Environmental scientist exposes wind farm scam
In The Wind Farm Scam, to be released on 30th September 2009, Dr. John Etherington argues that wind farm technology is a wholly counter-productive and undesirable response to the problems of climate change and electricity generation. Dr. Etherington is a former Reader in Ecology, Thomas Huxley Medallist at the Royal College of Science and former co-editor of the Journal of Ecology.
The Wind Farm Scam explains that the intermittent nature of wind power cannot generate a steady output, a fact that ...
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Europe, Opinions, U.S.
15 Sep 2009
Siren Song: the eternal lure of offshore wind power
Once again, there’s all kind of optimism these days about the future of offshore wind power, now—as always—the next big thing in clean energy. The latest iteration: A new report ...
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Washington
16 Sep 2009
Public to debate new wind farms
For the past year and a half, people within Whitman County have been disputing the use of wind farms on the Palouse.
Alan Thomson, the Whitman County planner, said he hopes that a new ordinance will make it possible for wind farms with industrial-size wind turbines to be set up around the county.
The issue has received both negative and positive feedback. As a result, the Whitman County Planning Commission is holding a public forum at 7 p.m. at the public works ...
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U.K.
16 Sep 2009
Government announces turbine deal
The world’s biggest wind turbine blades will be made in Britain, the Government announced as it unveiled a multimillion-pound investment in the industry.
Energy and Climate Secretary Ed Miliband said grants will be given to three offshore wind energy companies, which will help create new jobs.
The minister said £4.4 million will be given to Clipper Windpower of North East England to develop their first prototype 70-metre blade for a project to build the largest wind turbines in the world.
Artemis Intelligent Power ...
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England
16 Sep 2009
Wind farm plan for Haverigg prison
A WINDFARM could double in size if plans to construct seven more turbines near a beach are realised.
The new turbines would be constructed off the coast of Haverigg near the prison.
Experts ...
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New Hampshire
17 Sep 2009
Wind debate flares: Angry residents challenge application for wind tests
ANTRIM — As tensions around a proposed meteorological tower on Tuttle Hill boiled over Tuesday, the property owner spoke out about the divisiveness of the issue.
Landowner Michael Ott said he didn’t see the harm in putting up a meteorological tower (met tower) as a temporary structure to determine if the site is suitable for a wind-energy project. But he did see the harm in the increasingly sharp tone of the discussion.
“The last thing that I ever wanted when I moved ...
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New York
17 Sep 2009
Wind tower project on hold
ARKWRIGHT – A bombshell was dropped at the Arkwright Town Board meeting with an announcement by Tom Stebbins, project manager for the Arkwright Summit Wind Project.
He said that Horizon Wind Energy will not begin building turbines in Arkwright next April, as he had earlier indicated.
“We will continue the permitting process and our commitment to the town with regard to this project,” he told the town council.
Stebbins said he hopes the building portion of the project can get under way sometime ...
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England
17 Sep 2009
Controversial £15m North Yorks wind turbine plan refused
A controversial plan for two 125metre high wind turbines seen as a blot on the landscape by locals have been thrown out.
It formed part of a £15m plan by Broadview Energy to build five turbines across the boundary of Teesside and North Yorkshire near to Stokesley.
Three turbines in the plan have been approved by Stockton Borough Council but the last two have been refused by Hambleton District Council.
The issue was before Hambleton’s development management committee on Thursday, September 17, and ...
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Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
17 Sep 2009
BPA installs wind measurement towers
The Bonneville Power Administration aims to gain a better grasp of wind activity in the Northwest by installing 14 anemometers in the region – including a handful in Eastern Oregon and Washington.
The devices don’t generate energy like the larger wind turbines spinning in the Columbia River Gorge. But they’ll measure wind speed and direction in real time, helping predict a resource that’s become a big part of BPA’s power grid in recent years, said BPA spokeswoman Katie Pruder.
“This is just ...
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France, Accidents
18 Sep 2009
Un camion transportant une éolienne accidenté à Montreuil
{Truck carrying wind tower crashes in Montreuil}
Un convoi exceptionnel a entravé la circulation, hier après-midi à Montreuil, après la chute de son chargement constitué d’un mât d’éolienne.
Vers 14 h 30, hier, un convoi danois venant de Boulogne-sur-Mer et qui devait se diriger vers Hermin, dans le Bruaysis, a subi une panne d’un l’essieu hydraulique.
Voie bloquée jusque tard dans la soirée
Alors qu’il avait quitté la départementale 901, le poids lourd s’est soudain couché sur une glissière de sécurité, de l’autre côté ...
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Opinions, Switzerland
18 Sep 2009
Le dilemme de l’énergie éolienne {The dilemma of wind energy}
C’est un véritable rush. Depuis quelques mois, les projets de parcs éoliens se multiplient et fondent comme des mouches sur les hautes terres jurassiennes. Quarante éoliennes ici, vingt là, et tout récemment dix-sept moulins à vent modernes projetés sur les collines qui dominent Delémont. Au total, plus de 200 projets éoliens ont été annoncés, alors que jusqu’ici les huit machines installées sur le Mont-Crosin (Jura bernois) demeuraient une curiosité touristique.
Ce rush sur les meilleurs emplacements surprend par la cascade des ...
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Illinois
18 Sep 2009
Wind farm dispute may be on ‘road’ to court
A growing dispute between Bureau County and the owners of one local wind farm may bring both parties to court if an agreement isn’t reached soon.
According to county officials, Iberdrola Renewables — owner of the Providence Heights wind farm in Milo and Indiantown townships — is in violation of its roads agreement with the county.
County engineer John Gross said 18.5 miles of pavement along Wyanet-Walnut Road, Kentville Road and Bradford-Putnam Road have been damaged by heavy use during the construction ...
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Ontario
18 Sep 2009
Wind power blows in more opponents
The guest speakers described the effects wind turbines have had on their own health and that of their neighbours, some ashamed that they had actually allowed one on their own property and had not investigated further.
The standing-room-only crowd packed into the Adelaide-W. G. Macdonald elementary school gymnasium on Wednesday evening, September 9 to learn more in a session hosted by the Middlesex Wind Action Group.
Forty turbines are in the works for the former Adelaide township, including 16 within a 3 km ...
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Northern Ireland
19 Sep 2009
Residents fear ‘wind turbine syndrome’
Residents protesting against plans for a wind farm near Dumsurn say they are alarmed by results ...
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France
19 Sep 2009
«Touche pas à Mont-Saint-Michel»: les éoliennes menacent
{"Don't touch Mont-Saint-Michel": wind turbines threaten -- A wind turbine project in Argouges, canton of Saint-James (Manche), threatens Mont-Saint-Michel. Resistance is organizing. ... An international march against the project is organized for Saturday, 26 September, by the Fédération Environnement Durable supported by Basse-Normandie Environnement, the Fédération Brretonne pour l-Environnement, the Fédération Nationale des Association de Sauvegarde des Sites et Ensembles Monumentaux, and the Plateforme Européenne Contre l'Éolien Industriel.}
Un projet d’éoliennes à Argouges, dans le canton de Saint-James (Manche), menacent ...
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France
19 Sep 2009
Journées du patrimoine: en grêve pour protester contre des éoliennes
{Heritage Days: On strike to protest wind turbines -- The châteaus of Barly and Grand-Rullecourt, in Pas-de-Calais, decided to not open their doors to the public for Heritage Days, as a protest against the looming erection of 26 wind turbines near them.}
Les châteaux de Barly et de Grand-Rullecourt, dans le Pas-de-Calais, ont décidé de ne pas ouvrir leurs portes au public pour les Journées du patrimoine, en signe de protestation contre l’implantation prochaine de 26 éoliennes autour de leurs ...
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Wisconsin
20 Sep 2009
Landowners say turbines have hurt their property values
In the years since the Forward Wind Energy Center came on line, “For Sale” signs have popped up all over Gerry Meyer’s rural neighborhood in the town of Byron.
“There’s about six homes that are still for sale,” said Meyer, who has five towering turbines within three-quarters of a mile of his home on County Trunk Y south of Fond du Lac.
Meyer is convinced that the aesthetically displeasing look of the 400-foot turbines and subsequent ill effects experienced by nearby residents ...
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Virginia, West Virginia
20 Sep 2009
Winds of change make battlefield center of fight
A state agency has joined the fight against a wind farm in Highland County that could affect a Civil War battlefield. Developers say it’s a nonissue, but longtime opponents of the wind farm say they want to preserve the area’s beauty.
CAMP ALLEGHENY, W. VA. — ...
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Ohio, Opinions
21 Sep 2009
Nine common myths about wind energy
In the last six months, I have devoted most of my time to wind energy because of all the recent development activity in the region. Part of my program entails delivering seminars and workshops on the topic.
It always surprises me the false impressions or myths that some people have about wind energy and its potential.
Common misconceptions
Here is a list of some of the more common misconceptions I encounter:
– Wind energy is free. Naive wind investors often fail to consider the ...
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U.S.
22 Sep 2009
Birds caught in wind-farm push: Bird deaths present problem at wind farms
For years, a huge wind farm in California’s San Joaquin Valley was slaughtering thousands of birds, including golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and burrowing owls.
The raptors would get sliced up by the blades on the 5,400 turbines in Altamont Pass, or electrocuted by the wind farm’s power lines. Scientists, wildlife agencies and turbine experts came together in an attempt to solve the problem. The result?
Protective measures put in place in an effort to reduce deaths by 50% failed. Deaths in fact ...
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California, Letters
22 Sep 2009
No more wind turbines
Regarding the environmental impact report, CBM 19-08, Alta-Oak Creek Mojave Project-Zone changes for wind farm development as it relates to the Old West Ranch portion, we would like to voice our extreme opposition.
We have owned property on Old West Ranch, East side, near Wild Horse Road for almost 30 years—before any wind projects were ever even begun.
As far as we are concerned, we have experienced no positive results ...
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Minnesota
22 Sep 2009
Wind turbine restriction recommended
Proposed alternative energy regulations for Woodbury permit limited use of wind turbines.
That is a key provision in a draft alternative energy ordinance Woodbury Planning Commission members approved 6-0 Tuesday after months of review and public input.
“What it does is it encourages alternative energy, but it also does not interfere with people’s personal property rights,” commission chairwoman Nancy Remakel said.
The ordinance would allow wind turbines with heights ...
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Ireland
23 Sep 2009
Traffic chaos in Limerick after crash
Traffic ground to a standstill this Wednesday morning following an overnight crash which forced gardai to close the Corkbound lane of the Southern Ring Road.
Gardai confirmed that a large truck carrying parts for a wind-turbine jackknifed at around 3.30am on the slip road which links the N7 and the N20 near Rosbrien.
The slip road only opened to traffic in recent weeks to facilitate works on the Rosbrien Interchange, which forms part of the
Limerick Tunnel/ Southern Ring Road Phase 2 project.
“Because ...
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Scotland
23 Sep 2009
Black Craig wind farm appeal dismissed; Plan for 16 turbines is turned down
Scottish ministers have refused to grant planning permission for a development of 16 wind turbines on a hill opposite Rothesay Bay.
Ministers agreed with the view of inquiry reporter Karen Heywood that permission for Argyll Windfarms Ltd’s development should be denied because of the “significant detrimental landscape and visual impact” of the turbines.
Ms Heywood reached her decision after a public inquiry in Colintraive village hall in April.
More details to follow.
The Buteman
23 September 2009
...
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Scotland
23 Sep 2009
Wind farm accident report complete
Police and government safety experts have completed a report into last week’s tragedy at the Causewaymire wind farm.
The probe was launched following the sudden death of Thurso man Colin Sinclair.
Paramedics were unable to revive the 27-year-old workman who was found unconscious near the top of one of the 60-metre high turbines.
It is understood Mr Sinclair, who worked for a contractor, became entangled in a safety harness he was wearing while carrying out maintenance work.
Northern Constabulary, assisted by officers ...
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France
24 Sep 2009
Le Mont Saint-Michel rallume la querelle de l’éolien
{Mont Saint-Michel reignites wind energy debate}
PARIS — La querelle de l’éolien redémarre en France à l’occasion d’un projet d’implantation dans la Manche près du site touristique du Mont Saint-Michel eted’amendements déposés au Sénat en faveur d’un durcissement du régime d’autorisation.
Professionnels du secteur et ONG “vertes” parmi lesquelles Greenpeace, le WWF ou France nature environnement (FNE), se sont déclarés décidés à “resserrer les liens”, jeudi devant la presse à Paris, estimant qu’un “vent mauvais” souffle sur les éoliennes.
L’annonce d’une manifestation d’anti-éoliens ...
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Spain
24 Sep 2009
Guerra niega «nerviosismo» en el sector por la ley eólica
{Guerra denies "nervousness" in sector over wind energy law}
SANTIAGO. El conselleiro de Economía e Industria defendió ayer en el Parlamento el proceso de anulación del antiguo decreto eólico y la redacción de la nueva ley para regular el reparto de megavatios y que instaurará el anunciado canon sobre esta actividad energética en Galicia. Ante las críticas de la oposición por la inseguridad jurídica que está creando esta política de la Xunta, Javier Guerra aseguró que no existe «nerviosismo» en aquellas ...
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Spain
24 Sep 2009
La Junta considera que la situación del sector eólico es “muy preocupante”
{Junta considers state of wind energy sector "very worrying"}
Ponferrada (León), 24 sep (EFE).- El director general de Energía y Minas de la Junta de Castilla y León, Ricardo González Mantero, ha calificado hoy de “muy preocupante” la situación del sector de la energía eólica.
Mantero, que participa hoy en Ponferrada (León) en un foro sobre el futuro de la energía en España organizado por Comisiones Obreras (CCOO), ha lamentado en declaraciones a los periodistas la situación de “bloqueo” que, según ha ...
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Ontario, Press releases
24 Sep 2009
Wind Concerns Ontario: Wind Regulations Ignore Critics
TORONTO, September 24, 2009 - The newest regulations governing industrial wind turbine 550 meter setbacks through the Green Energy Act are a betrayal of the people of rural Ontario.
Wind Concerns Ontario stands by its demand that the government of Ontario listen to the victims of industrial wind development and the concerns of those soon to be affected throughout the whole province.
Since February 2009, over one hundred men, women and children living near industrial-scale wind installations have developed serious health side ...
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Australia
24 Sep 2009
Koch slams wind farms for ‘misleading public’
Wind farm developers are misleading the public about their plans, a south-west MP claims.
Member for Western Victoria David Koch yesterday called on the Federal Government to review the approval process for wind farms.
He said the existing community consultation process was inadequate and developers were not being flexible about the placement of turbines.
“I don’t know how we can best address the situation but there has got to be a better way,” he said.
“There should not be the conflicts there are surrounding ...
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Ontario, Opinions
24 Sep 2009
Health concerns surround turbines
There are many people across Ontario who are being harmed by the simple fact they live too close to wind turbines. These are honest, hardworking people with a moral code about right and wrong. They are typical rural people who have strong work ethics and connections to their neighbours and community. They are good people who can’t comprehend why our government is doing nothing to help.
The tragedy is, some families are being driven ...
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New York
26 Sep 2009
Wind farm revenue may take major hit; Leaders brace for $6.3m reduction if appeal fails
LOWVILLE — While hopeful that the Maple Ridge Wind Farm will retain Empire Zone benefits, local leaders are preparing for the worst-case scenario: a $6.3 million drop in combined wind-farm revenue for area governments.
While Lewis County projected $2.16 million ...
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Michigan
27 Sep 2009
Homeowners fight against the wind; Turbines blow ill wind for some
PIGEON — In the Champagne household, there are two opinions on the whirling wind turbines that surround the family’s home of 35 years. Gene Champagne is bothered by the thumping, rumbling sound of the blades that loom like giants over the house. The noise disturbs his sleep and destroys his TV reception. Flickering shadows ...
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Letters, Pennsylvania
28 Sep 2009
Wind turbines: 2,500-foot limit?
I read in the Sept. 1 article that the Brady Township Supervisors are researching a wind turbine ordinance and called Tom Tuffey of PennFuture. PennFuture is one of the biggest promoters of wind energy in Pennsylvania. PennFuture’s support of the model ordinance shows they have little regard for adjacent property owners. The setback and noise limits in the model ordinance do not protect non-participating landowners ...
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New York
29 Sep 2009
Naples takes turbine beef to state
Naples, N. Y. — With wind turbines literally on the horizon, Naples officials are again calling on state leaders to make sure the power-generating machines are farther away from the town’s borders.
While prior requests have led to several meetings with representatives from the state Attorney General’s Office, so far no action has been taken.
Turbines on the hills near Naples became operational earlier this year. Plans for more turbines in Prattsburgh in Steuben County and Italy in Yates County give new urgency ...
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New York
29 Sep 2009
Mine owners looking at constructing wind farm
The owners of a defunct mine in St. Lawrence County are looking into the feasibility of building what would be the second commercial wind farm ever proposed in the Adirondack Park.
Representatives of Benson Mines Inc. have been meeting with the state Adirondack Park Agency to discuss a plan to build as many as six to 10 wind turbines on the company’s 3,000-plus acres in the town of Clifton.
Bernard Melewski, the company’s lawyer, stressed that the project is in its infancy.
“Benson ...
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Ontario
29 Sep 2009
Opponents of wind tower project speak up at information meeting
An information meeting came close, at times, to transforming into a witch hunt, after more than 400 people crowded into the Manvers Arena to voice concerns over a proposed wind tower project.
Monday (Sept. 28) night’s meeting was called by Ward 16 Coun. Dave Marsh after many area residents felt they were treated poorly and did not receive important information on the project during an open house hosted by Energy Farming Ontario in Pontypool on Aug. 27.
Coun. Marsh pointed out the ...
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Maine
30 Sep 2009
Settlement talks on CMP project questioned; Some parties see political pressure that could subvert the proper legal process
At a confidential meeting today, parties including the staff of the Maine Public Utilities Commission and Central Maine Power Co. will seek ways to settle CMP’s landmark request for a $1.4 billion upgrade of its transmission system.
But two prominent parties in the case say the settlement attempt – initiated at CMP’s urging – reflects political pressure by the utility’s parent company and threatens to short-circuit a legal process that’s meant to test whether the project is necessary in its proposed ...
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Connecticut, Vermont
30 Sep 2009
Yale-backed wind plan incites controversy
The town of Ira, Vt., population 452, has no stores, no gas station and no post office. What it does have are sweeping vistas of Vermont’s Green Mountains.
And the slopes of those mountains have wind — wind that a developer wants to harness to produce an estimated 240,000 megawatt hours of clean, renewable energy every year. The developer, known as the Vermont Community Wind Farm, is leasing the land from Wagner Forest Management, a firm that manages 4,000 acres on ...
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New York
30 Sep 2009
Wind project eyed for Clifton; Owners of 3,000-acre site explore feasibility of 10-turbine venture
STAR LAKE — The owners of Benson Mines have proposed up to 10 wind turbines for their 3,000-plus-acre property in the town of Clifton.
“I’m representing Benson Mines before the Adirondack Park Agency. Benson Mines is exploring future uses for the property,” attorney Bernard C. Melewski said. “One use might be putting wind turbines up. It’s completely exploratory at this point.”
Representatives from Benson Mines and the APA will visit the site this fall or in the spring, depending on the weather, ...
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Letters, New York
30 Sep 2009
Impose moratorium on Cape wind project
I have vacillated for months with regards to writing this letter concerning the proposed wind farm project in Cape Vincent. I have seen firsthand the discord this proposal has caused between residents, families and neighbors, and as a summer resident I was mindful that any position I took could alienate me from a portion of the town I have come to love. To that end, I had resolved to remain neutral believing the wisdom of our elected officials would guide ...
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Massachusetts
30 Sep 2009
Residents not happy about Roxbury Latin wanting to erect temporary tower
WEST ROXBURY — The West Roxbury Neighborhood Council supported the placement of a temporary 200-foot meteorological tower at a site on the Roxbury Latin school campus Monday night, approving the school’s request to conduct a feasibility study for the possible construction of a wind turbine on campus.
Discussion was heated among residents in attendance, with both supporters and challengers to the proposal voicing their opinions. Ultimately, however, the 6-2 vote in favor of the MET tower left many residents at the ...
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Letters, New Brunswick
30 Sep 2009
Wind turbines will have a huge impact on community
Throughout the community of New Denmark lines have been drawn, friends and neighbors divided, two sides to the story have developed, but the actual facts remain consistent. This is especially true because they were provided by Ontario-based Prowind Inc. concerning their project which proposes to install 30 industrial wind turbines. If you have ever driven through the rolling hills of New Denmark, you would know where the Main New Denmark Road is located. The plan is to line both sides of ...
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England
30 Sep 2009
Turbine is a no win-d situation
Two parish councillors have slammed a council decision to approve planning permission for a wind turbine on greenbelt land in Bagnall.
Andrew Batson, vice chairman of Bagnall Parish Council and Frank Hayes, the ex-chairman, say the idea to install a wind turbine on land adjacent to Greenway Hall Farm, in Greenway Hall Road, is ‘flawed’.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s planning committee approved the installation in July, despite the planning officer’s recommendation for refusal.
The parish council and Greenway Hall Golf Club, along with ...
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Australia
30 Sep 2009
Wind speed tests for potential Bungulla wind farm
A wind speed mast has been erected south of Mt Mackenzie at Bungulla to measure wind speeds in the area and test whether or not it could be a viable location for a wind farm.
Chris Sweatman, Managing Director of RES Australia – the Australian branch of the United Kingdom based sustainable energy company carrying out the tests – said the wind mast was the very first step in a process that would take many years of planning, development and consultation ...
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Illinois
30 Sep 2009
D-300 studies wind farm
CARPENTERSVILLE – A feasibility study approved by the District 300 school board might determine whether the district becomes among the first in the nation to own a wind farm.
District 300 is working with Keeneyville District 20 and Prospect Heights District 23 to explore building 20-megawatt wind farm downstate that eventually would bring in between $2 million and $3 million a year to offset energy costs.
The board’s vote Monday approved District 300’s share of the feasibility study. The study costs $55,000, ...
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England
30 Sep 2009
More than 85 people object to Ecotricity’s plans for wind monitoring mast in Nympsfield
More than 85 people have objected to plans by Ecotricity to install a 90 metre wind monitoring mast at Nympsfield for a period of 18 months.
Around 65 objectors have written to Stroud District Council individually and there is also a petition against the plans which has 22 signatures.
The application relates to the installation of an ‘experimental 90 metre high wind monitoring mast’ for a temporary period.
Ecotricity wants to install the mast at Tinkley Lane, Nympsfield near its current turbine.
On the ...
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Denmark
30 Sep 2009
Councils ready to double wind power output
Thirty-four councils have laid the plans for doubling the amount of wind energy produced by land-based turbines.
The current capacity of land turbines nationwide is about 2750 megawatts of energy. The councils say they have the space for another 2730 megawatts to be produced, the equivalent of 1400 wind turbines producing power at 2 megawatts each.
Danish Wind Industry Association managing director Jan Hylleberg said only 75 percent of the land could be used – equalling roughly 2050 megawatts of wind energy ...
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Ontario
30 Sep 2009
Opinions vary at county wind meeting
PICTON — Opinions varied as much as the wind during a special council meeting on industrial wind turbines at the Prince Edward Community Centre Tuesday evening.
Nearly 300 crowded the hall, with more than 30 people taking the podium for 10-minute deputations.
With the legislation of the Ontario Green Energy Act in May, municipalities now have little power in the decision of allowing wind turbine projects to proceed, but Mayor Leo Finnegan said Tuesday’s public meeting was important if Prince Edward County ...
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Massachusetts
30 Sep 2009
Wattley will leave Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound
HYANNIS — The man who led the charge against the proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm for the past two years is moving on.
Glenn Wattley, who served as chief executive officer and president for the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound, said yesterday that he will continue to work with the group as an adviser even as he relinquishes the leadership role.
“The board asked me to stay on as a consultant,” he said.
Wattley, 56, will continue to live in Osterville, where he ...
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Illinois
30 Sep 2009
Public hearing on permit for more wind farm turbines in McLean Co. set for Oct. 19
BLOOMINGTON — The McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals will have a public hearing Oct. 19 on a request for a special-use permit that would allow Twin Groves Wind Farm to expand by as many as 333 turbines.
Horizon Wind Energy LLC and its affiliates want to generate 500 megawatts of power with the turbines that would be located on 38,248 acres in Towanda, Blue Mound, Martin and Anchor townships.
The area is north of the existing 240-turbine Twin Groves Wind Farm ...
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North Carolina
30 Sep 2009
Test site for wind farm draws varied comments
Construction of a demonstration wind energy project in Pamlico Sound could begin as early as next year, according to state officials who met with Outer Banks residents to discuss offshore wind energy Friday.
Governor Beverly Perdue, Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Basnight, and Representative Tim Spear hosted the meeting at Cape Hatteras Secondary School.
“If water levels are rising as predicted and we take no action, we will have made a terrible mistake for the people who come after us,” Basnight said ...
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Alberta
30 Sep 2009
Power struggle shaping up
The Stelmach government is ditching democracy in its rush to build new power lines and what’s worse, says Lethbridge MLA? Bridget Pastoor, they’ll be privately owned but taxpayers will pay the bill.
There are no reports showing the lines are needed, she said Tuesday. More regional power generation is a lower-cost alternative.
Pastoor cited Enmax, one of the province’s major power suppliers, as one of many voices joining in opposition to the Conservative government’s plans to spend billions on high-capacity transmission lines needlessly.
“We ...
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New Hampshire
30 Sep 2009
Zoning board says it needs more data before ruling on wind turbine proposal
GILFORD — The Zoning Board of Adjustment says it needs more information before approving a variance that would allow for the construction of a small wind energy turbine on a property bordering Lake Winnipesaukee.
Members of the Zoning Board voted to continue the application made by Richard Lavalliere and in the mean time, have the applicant hire an independent licensed engineer ascertain potential noise level and the amount of energy production that will be done on the site.
“I think we need ...
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England
30 Sep 2009
Call for Keadby wind farm debate
A summit of business leaders , officials and councillors has been called to debate a controversial wind farm development in the Isle.
Brigg and Goole MP Ian Cawsey has convened and will chair the meeting between wind farm developer RES, the Environment Agency, British Waterways, Network Rail and North Lincolnshire Council, to discuss construction traffic movement for the proposed 34-turbine windfarm near Keadby.
As reported, RES had its original plan to route construction traffic through Ealand, Eastoft and Swinefleet rejected by North ...
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North Dakota
30 Sep 2009
North Dakota regulators approve New Salem wind project
North Dakota regulators have approved a new 75.9-megawatt wind power project.
Minnesota Power wants to build 33 wind turbines north of New Salem, almost 30 miles west of Mandan.
North Dakota’s Public Service Commission approved a construction permit for the project Tuesday.
The wind farm is near western North Dakota’s coal-mining region, but Commissioner Tony Clark says there are no known lignite deposits within the project’s area.
Clark says the wind project will include features meant to protect endangered whooping cranes. The turbine towers ...
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England
30 Sep 2009
Test mast restarts debate at wind turbine site
Plans to test a wind monitoring mast in Nympsfield has reopened debate at a wind turbine battleground.
Ecotricity subsidiary Nexgen wants to erect the 90m mast next to its turbine at Lynch Knoll.
The windmill has been there since 1997 following a long planning battle.
Before it submitted an application, the green electricity firm run by Dale Vince in Stroud told residents it needed a test wind speed monitoring mast.
If it gets permission, it would stand there for 18 months.
So far, almost 100 ...
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