After having done some fairly extensive research on wind turbines, visiting wind farms and listening to people living in their shadows, we would like to share some of our findings.
Only about two percent of our domestic electrical energy is produced by foreign oil. The energy generated by wind turbines is not used locally, but fed into “the grid.”
Wind energy is intermittent, needing back-up conventional power plants to supplement electricity, greatly negating any power created and still adding CO2 to the atmosphere.
Wind turbine companies target rural areas where they encounter little opposition and insufficient zoning regulations.
The money being used for wind energy is diverting millions of dollars from finding real solutions to our energy problems and could be better spent doing research on more efficient, less invasive forms of renewable energy (solar power, tidal fluctuation, hydroelectric energy and geothermal resources).
We have changed all our light bulbs in our home to energy-efficient fluorescents. We turn down our thermostat, turn off the lights and only use the washing machine and dishwasher when they are full.
We drive energy-efficient cars, stay within the speed limit, carry reusable grocery bags, recycle and walk whenever we can. We certainly could do a lot more, but we are trying.
If everyone sacrificed a little, we would be less dependent on others for our energy needs.
Some people are willing to give up nothing to maintain their standard of living and some people exercise their right to do whatever they want with their property, despite the adverse impact their activities may have on their neighbors.
Some people want us to sacrifice our property value, our peace and quiet, our sleep, our wildlife, our health and our beautiful view so they don’t have to change their lifestyle one iota.
The electric companies and wind turbine producers are exercising their right to avoid taxes while ours continue to increase. What about our rights?
Before you pass judgment on us, do the research. Watch the videos made by people and communities affected by the turbines. Take a field trip to a wind farm. Pennsylvania has many and more are on the way, thanks to our current administration. See for yourself the effects of “big wind.”
We all use electricity and we should all pay the price. You think it’s okay in my back yard? Not until it’s in YOUR back yard, too.
Jack and Kris Reilly
Covington (Tioga County)
22 December 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/12/22/bad-neighbors/