November 30, 2005
Opinions
Opinions
I read with great amusement a letter to the editor (The Caledonian-Record Nov. 21, 2005) from a Mr. Simons of Sheffield, Vt.
In his letter, Mr. Simons states some very interesting facts and attempts to pass on his keen insights to those (Ridgies?) who oppose the destruction of our mountains.
Mr. Simons suggest we learn the No. 1 wind power fact of life: "These wind turbines must be placed on high elevations to be effective."
Mr. Simons, the average wind farm throughout the planet is less than 25 percent efficient! In other words, the power is not reliable and never will be. There has never been a conventional power plant decommissioned to make way for a wind generation facility.
Does any one honestly believe as Mr. Simons suggests, that wind generation will resolve our future energy challenges and pave the way for our children’s future?
The motivating force for wind development is simple! MONEY! The huge amounts of federal government incentives such as subsidies, accelerated depreciation and green energy credits add up to millions of dollars for the wind developer.
The wind developers play on the public fears and offer pathetic solutions to our future energy needs. Developers will always find a small group of uninformed well intentioned individuals who take comfort in his fairy tales. Why jump on his band wagon that will lead down a road of lies paved with his manure peddling campaigns?
However, it was quite an experience watching the people of Sheffield defend their town against the developers’ greed and lies! The developer had the look of a deer in headlights. Did he think they were that stupid? They are a hardy group who will not be pushed around or intimidated. The spirit of Vermont is very much alive and well there!
I know the developer will have to pack up his bag of manure, lies and smoked mirrors and go home.
Please log on to www.countryguar ian.net and learn about the failures or facts about wind energy and the failures in Europe.
Kevin McGrath, Lowell
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2005/11/30/688/