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Wind Power News: July 2011
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational effort to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Walk in hills and valleys spoiled by a huge wind turbine
My wife and I spent a very pleasant day last weekend, walking in the beautiful hills and valleys around Oxenhope and the Worth Valley. Pleasant that is, except for one thing; the constant views of a huge wind turbine that now dominates this beautiful landscape. This ugly monstrosity, painted bright white to maximise its visibility, totally dominates the surrounding hills and detracts massively from what should be pleasing views of traditional Yorkshire. Why on earth did planners agree to this . . . Complete story »
Windfarm Wars, or Blown Apart
Windfarm Wars is a dramatic four-part BBC series examining what happens when a windfarm of nine 120-metre high turbines is planned to be built on sensitive English landscape. It’s the story of a deeply divided community with a conclusion that will impact on the future of land-based renewable energy in the UK. Filmed over four turbulent years, each episode explores in candid and intimate detail a story that goes to the very heart of the question of renewable energy, our . . . Complete story »
In what could be the state’s largest wind farm, protest and promise emerge
The majestic peaks of the Endless Mountains hold the promise of cheap, clean energy, but the desire to protect their towering beauty has some protesting the construction of a massive wind farm on the roof of Wyoming County. BP Wind Energy is finalizing permits and anticipates beginning construction this fall of a wind farm on a 9,000-acre site in Mehoopany, Noxen, Forkston and Eaton townships. Securing power purchase agreements with Old Dominion Electric Cooperative and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative earlier . . . Complete story »
Recall elections set for Ogden and Riga townships on Tuesday
ADRIAN, Mich. – Ogden and Riga townships could be looking for new supervisors after Tuesday’s election, and Ogden Township might need a new clerk. The three officials are the subjects of recall elections for their actions in the wind turbine controversy. Aug. 2 is primary election day in Lenawee County. Ogden Township voters will decide whether to recall supervisor Jim Goetz and clerk Phyllis Gentz. Riga Township voters will decide whether to recall supervisor Jeff Simon. After the election results are . . . Complete story »
Assembly’s CVEC vote reversed, county’s inquiry authority questioned
It is not quite back to the drawing board for the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates, but the county’s legislative branch will have to retake a vote to look into the Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative (CVEC). At its July 6 meeting, the assembly narrowly approved the formation of a special investigative panel to look at CVEC—specifically, at its administrative structure and funding sources. The request for an investigation was filed by Eric Bibler, a Weston, Connecticut, resident and president . . . Complete story »
Bourne wind project offers residents last chance to be heard
BOURNE – Residents and others with opinions about the New Generation Wind power project will have one last chance on Monday to air their thoughts for a Cape Cod Commission subcommittee tasked with reviewing the project. The public comment period on the proposed Bournedale project ends just a few days later, on Aug. 9, after which the subcommittee will make a recommendation to the full Cape Cod Commission. County officials continue to have questions about the project that proponents will have . . . Complete story »
MOE extends period for public comment on wind turbine project
The Ministry of the Environment has bowed to public pressure and extended the deadline for filing comments about a proposed wind farm east of Port Dover. MOE initially set a July 30 deadline for comments on the proposed Capital Power project. However, due to ongoing complaints in the local area, the MOE will continue to accept input until Aug. 29. “The reason specifically why we decided on the extension was because the comment period began on a holiday (July 1) . . . Complete story »
Will Honda pull out of Swindon?
Swindon is running ‘a huge risk’ as the council mulls over whether or not to reject plans for three giant wind turbines at Honda’s plant. That is the stark warning from the leader of the council, his opposite number, and one of the town’s leading trade unionists, who have all spoken out about the consequences of refusing the car giant’s plans. There has been an unprecedented public outcry from residents over the move to build the trio of London Eye-sized . . . Complete story »
Wind power coming to Burlington?
Burlington’s Renewable Energy Committee wants to investigate whether there is enough wind on the Mississippi riverfront to justify building a wind turbine, which would help power the Port of Burlington and events that take place there. At its last meeting July 12, the committee unanimously voted to approve approaching the city’s Development and Inspections Department about applying for grants and energy credits to fund placing a weather station on the riverfront that would measure wind speed, volume and direction for . . . Complete story »
Town Council will look at wind farm concerns
Bridlington Town Council has voted to become part of a ‘united front’ to deal with public concerns over wind farms. At a lively meeting, held at the Community Resource Centre on Victoria Road last week, a number of people worried about wind farm developments surrounding Bridlington spoke out against the number of plans being submitted. More than thirty members of the public crammed into the meeting, ensuring a healthy debate between councillors. They agreed that the council would write to . . . Complete story »
