Wind Watch: Industrial Wind Energy News
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.
Wind turbines killing more than just local birds, study finds
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Wind turbines are known to kill large birds, such as golden eagles, that live nearby. Now there is evidence that birds from up to hundreds of miles away make up a significant portion of the raptors that are killed at these wind energy fields. Using DNA from tissue and stable isotopes from the feathers of golden eagle carcasses, researchers from Purdue University and the U.S. Geological Survey found that golden eagles killed at the Altamont Pass . . .
Municipal group says energy planning rules demand too much
Legislators this year promised towns and regions more say in where renewable energy projects are built if the communities write energy plans that pass muster. Now state regulators are deciding where to set that bar, and critics that include opponents of current Vermont energy policy say it’s too high. However, some officials who have written energy plans in preparation for the new standards say the process wasn’t terribly demanding. The Public Service Department is seeking feedback on a draft set . . .
Supervisors adopt wind energy conversion systems ordinance
The Wind Energy Conversion Systems Ordinance For Palo Alto County received unanimous approval during the third and final reading that was attended by over 40 landowners and citizens during the regular meeting of the Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, September 27. “I appreciate that people have a say in it and a passion for it. Over a period of time it has been nice to work with this Board and the Zoning Board. They’ve done a lot . . .
John Muir Trust sets out battle against Aberfeldy wind farm
Opponents of a massive Highland Perthshire wind farm have set out their case to the public. Conservation charity the John Muir Trust has held an exhibition on the planned Crossburns development near Aberfeldy. Renewables firm Engie, previously known as West Coast Energy, wants to install 25 turbines, each up to 377ft high, next to the existing Calliacher wind farm. The scheme has been criticised by Perth and Kinross Council which claims it could have an “unacceptable and adverse” impact on . . .
Planning board approves Clayton’s proposed wind law
WATERTOWN – The Jefferson County Planning Board on Tuesday unanimously approved, with conditions, the Clayton Town Council’s new local wind law proposal, Local Law No. 5. The Town Council introduced the law at its Aug. 24 meeting in order to update its methods to regulate “the application, development and placement of wind energy facilities to protect public health and safety and to minimize the negative impacts.” “We obviously agree with the proactive approach in updating their pre-existing laws,” said Jefferson County . . .
Residents want Dutton Dunwich wind farm project cancelled
With Ontario abruptly suspending plans to buy more green power, a Southwestern Ontario MPP and a fired-up group of anti-turbine advocates are pushing the Liberal government to also scrap a hotly contested wind farm imposed on a rural township that voted overwhelmingly against it. The opposition of 84 per cent of Dutton Dunwich residents wasn’t enough to stop the Strong Breeze Wind Farm – the 57.5 megawatt project by Chicago-based energy giant Invenergy that got the green light from regulators in . . .
PSO looking to add up to 300 megawatts of Oklahoma wind power
Public Service Co. of Oklahoma is in the market for more wind power. The Tulsa-based utility issued a request for proposal Wednesday for 100 to 300 megawatts of wind power to be produced in Oklahoma. The utility said projects must be a minimum of 80 megawatts and be ready for service by the end of 2018. PSO last added wind capacity in 2013, when the utility went shopping for 200 megawatts but ended up buying 600 megawatts because of low . . .
Fresh plans for massive Finn Valley wind farm
The process of submitting a renewed planning application for a massive wind farm in the Finn Valley resumed this week, it has emerged. Back in March, An Bord Pleanala (ABP) refused permission to Planree Ltd for the proposed Carrickaduff Wind Farm, consisting of 49 turbines – some with a height of 156 metres – on a site along the border between Barnesmore Gap and Castlefinn. However, the Cork-based company has applied to ABP to start a ‘pre-application process’, asking the . . .
Tensions still simmer as Enfield wind farm is stalled again
ENFIELD, NY – While the end may be in sight for the long-debated Black Oak Wind Farm, it’s future remains uncertain. After another contentious meeting, the Enfield Town Board voted to delay any further action until Black Oak pays its debts to the town. Dozens of people crowded into the Enfield town court for the Tuesday meeting. While the location was different, many of the people, the arguments and the undercurrent of tensions between neighbors were familiar. We’ve covered many . . .
Council poised to ban turbines
NORTH SMITHFIELD – The North Smithfield Town Council is poised to place a ban on wind turbines throughout town at the urging of a citizens’ group formed in opposition to a proposed structure on Old Smithfield Road. A second reading of a proposal to permanently prevent the structures from being built in town is scheduled to come before the board next week. But Town Planner Robert Ericson and some members of the Planning Board expressed concern that the decision could . . .
