Wind Power News: January 2012
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.
Why we don’t trust you
Residents of Twin Oaks asked Kern County Planning Department officials repeatedly if the City of Vernon had a wind energy project in the wings and were unequivocally told “no.” Yes, it does. And Kern planning officials have known about it all along. Lying is bad enough from anyone, but when it comes from the very people you’re paying to make sure projects are done correctly, it’s unacceptable. Someone ought to be fired for this. Seriously. “Chris Mynck (one of Planning’s . . . Complete story »
Wind power industry could lose sails if key subsidy is not renewed
Near Lake Benton, Minn. – On the crest of Buffalo Ridge in southwest Minnesota, the blades of a 300-foot-tall wind turbine can be heard better than seen as they slice through a thick fog. The machine in one of Minnesota’s breeziest locations went on line last spring, and helped boost the state to a record wind energy year in 2011. Minnesota’s wind power production capacity grew by more than 500 megawatts last year, half the output of the Prairie Island Nuclear . . . Complete story »
Local farmer’s presentation to Ontario Federation of Agriculture contributes to policy statement
The OFA policy statement makes eight recommendations to the provincial government, asking for the suspension of FIT contracts until each issue is resolved. The recommendations include enabling an acceptable level of planning control for wind turbines at the municipal level, tying the prices paid for wind power to the expected price of peak power imports six years in the future, requiring wind turbine developments to provide dispatchable power using batteries or another form of storage, “immediately and fairly” addressing rural residents’ health and nuisance complaints, comprehensive analysis of adequate setback distances, developing and implementing a protocol to measure noise from wind turbine developments that include low frequency noise and providing measurement equipment and training to municipalities. Complete story »
Horizon is surveying the city again!
The following survey was recorded and transcribe by a local resident and provided to our group [Nor’Wester Mountain Escarpment Protection Committee], we do not know the personal stance of this individual on the proposed project. For statistical purposes what year were you born. Does anyone in your family or household work in the following areas? • Public Opinion Research Advertising and Public Relations, Media, Television, Newspaper, Radio? 1. I would like you to tell me what you feel is the . . . Complete story »
Wind shelter
Maine Public Broadcasting’s “Maine Watch” show has earned its reputation as the softest news show on local television. Host Jennifer Rooks rarely probes beyond what’s already been reported elsewhere and almost never challenges her guests with questions they might find disquieting. A typical example of Rooks’ softball approach is the Jan. 26 program on energy policy. She interviews Jackson Parker of Reed & Reed construction company about the initiative that would require an increase in the amount of renewable energy . . . Complete story »
A misguided effort to aid Maryland wind projects
It’s a proposal that might sound great in a stump speech: Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) wants to erect wind turbines off Maryland’s coast, eventually generating perhaps a third of the state’s electricity carbon-free. The plan is central to Mr. O’Malley’s recently announced 2012 agenda. But it’s a bad deal for nearly everyone in Maryland – including people who believe, as we do, in moving away from fossil fuels. Perversely, Mr. O’Malley’s bill would corrupt the anti-carbon policy Maryland already has. Lawmakers . . . Complete story »
Clifton board denies Pisgah wind farm appeal
The town of Clifton has rejected an appeal by local farmers to revoke its approval of a five-turbine wind farm project on Pisgah Mountain. The news comes as the developer signs an agreement with Bangor Hydro Electric to supply electricity. The town’s board of appeals Wednesday voted to deny the appeal from Peter and Julie Beckford, who argued the turbines would negatively impact their perennial flower farm, according to the Bangor Daily News. The couple this past summer built two . . . Complete story »
Residents brand RSPB ‘bird brains’
The stunning views from several Filey landmarks could soon be blighted by a 150ft wind turbine, after planning permission was submitted for the masts. In total, planning permission has been submitted to East Riding Council for three masts, by a pair of farmers in Bempton. A study map drawn up by consultants shows that the industrial structures would be clearly visible from Filey Brigg, Filey Country Park and from Filey Bay. If constructed, the masts would be the largest single . . . Complete story »
School leaders weigh solar project in Lenox
LENOX – While prospects grow dim for a municipal wind turbine project on Lenox Mountain, a three-pronged solar panel installation to meet the town’s municipal energy needs is shining brightly. The School Committee is weighing approval of a site behind the middle and high school – one of three locations being fast-tracked for possible construction this summer, pending approval by the Selectmen and voters. The other locations are at the old landfill in Lenox Dale and the nearby wastewater treatment plant. While . . . Complete story »
Nazi experiment comments taken out of context
The recent articles in The Standard-Times regarding Curt Devlin’s Nazi comments at the Fairhaven Wind Turbine forum were totally taken out of context to the point he was trying to make. He was using the Nazis as an example for bad behavior toward innocent people. We have a set of rules in place used by the USA to regulate human experimentation. Do you consider it humane to treat some citizens of Fairhaven different than others? Why is one neighborhood being . . . Complete story »
