October 5, 2010
New Jersey, Press releases

Kean legislation to site wind turbines away from residential homes

Contact: Kate Gamberg / (732) 974-0400, Senator Sean T. Kean (R-11), www.senatenj.com 5 October 2010

After listening to his constituents’ concerns regarding a proposal to construct a wind turbine at the New Jersey National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, Senator Kean is introducing legislation that will require wind turbines to be sited a certain amount of feet away from residential homes.

“After listening to both sides of the debate, I have come to the conclusion that wind turbines should not be built near residential neighborhoods,” said Senator Kean. “I am drafting legislation that will increase their minimum setback.”

Residents of Sea Girt have noted that the negatives of having wind turbines near residential homes outweigh the potential benefits. Among the negatives are: noise pollution, adversely affected wildlife, shadow flicker effect, and decreased home values. Shadow flicker effect is when the turbine’s long arms cast a shadow off of buildings in a repetitive manner when the sun is high in the sky.

“Constituents have been contacting my office to voice their concerns,” noted Kean. “While I support renewable energy projects, I want to make sure they do not negatively impact the communities they are supposed to be benefitting.”

In contrast to the wind turbines near Atlantic City, which are a mile out at sea, the proposed site in Sea Girt is adjacent to residential neighborhoods. The wind turbine proposed for Sea Girt stands an estimated 200-328 feet tall, and would be widely visible.

Kean continued, “This issue is about location. I am supportive of wind energy, but not when massive wind turbines are practically placed in people’s backyards.”

Senator Kean plans to introduce his legislation in the next few weeks.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/10/05/kean-legislation-to-site-wind-turbines-away-from-residential-homes/