July 16, 2013
Massachusetts

Anti-wind turbine activists request health study; Four bills are being considered by lawmakers

Christine Lee, 22News State House Correspondent | WWLP | July 15, 2013 | www.wwlp.com

Several anti-wind turbine activists are calling for a new state study on the heath impacts of wind turbines.

Four bills are being proposed by state lawmakers that create an independent commission to study the health impacts of wind turbines.

Anti-wind turbine activists testified in favor of the legislation, citing increased stress, blood pressure and headaches that they believe is caused by living close to wind turbines.

Last year, state agencies released an independent Wind Turbine Health Impact study that determined there was no scientific proof linking wind turbines to negative health effects.

Critics argue the expert panel chosen to conduct the study was not independent.

“Many people on the panel have connections to the wind industry, they’ve funded by Big Wind, they’re predisposed to Big Wind, they’re philosophically in favor of Big Wind, and so you’re not going to get an objective when that is the case,” Raymond Hartman said.

Gov. Deval Patrick said, “Westfield state Representative Michael Knapik has filed legislation that creates a 21-member commission that studies the health impacts of wind turbines.

Palmer state Representative Todd Smola has proposed creating a 26 member commission. They each include epidemiologists and the executive director of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, among others.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/16/anti-wind-turbine-activists-request-health-study-four-bills-are-being-considered-by-lawmakers/