Wind farm defense not very reassuring
www.wisinfo.com Oct 1, 2012
Jay Mundinger, Windy Acres Wind Farm spokesman, defended his company’s proposed installation in the towns of Sherman and Holland in the Sept. 23 Press, stating, “harnessing the power of wind is … responsible, clean, safe and renewable.” He tried to reassure residents who oppose the farm that his team of various experts will clear up “misunderstanding” and “fears” and “set the record straight.”
How arrogant is that in light of citizens having information and experts that disclose risks they do not want to take?
But the most indefensible tidbit Mundinger gave to soothe opponents was that the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin would “help local governing bodies to understand a thorough and vigorous process,” allowing community input into the final (inevitable) project.
Caution! Take no false comfort in the PSC’s involvement here. These regulators notoriously favor industry over citizens. For example, the PSC routinely denies residents the freedom to opt out of “smart” utility meters that pulse microwave/radiofrequency radiation, be it groups petitioning or individual requests. As for wind energy, residents not wanting to ruin the landscape, harm birds or take on environmental impacts have a very small voice in the halls of the PSC. The regulatory agency’s finances and powers are well-insulated from consumer will, after all.
This situation comes down to who should control your property and neighborhood environment – residents or industry? The only way to take back the right to refuse risky, involuntary technologies is through statewide administrative code changes. Contact state lawmakers today to support a new code that gives you the right to reject these dubious installations. The PSC and energy industry need to be shown that no means no.
Charyl Zehfus
Sheboygan
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/10/01/wind-farm-defense-not-very-reassuring/