January 17, 2014
Letters, New Hampshire

Wind farm is unwanted here

Concord Monitor | January 17, 2014 | www.concordmonitor.com

This is not about debating the economics, aesthetics, engineering or need of ridgeline industrial wind in the Lakes Region. This is about the behavior of a company, Iberdrola Renewables, that seems to be operating under an incredible disconnect from the people it claims to want to serve.

The Spanish multinational has continually stated, “If you don’t want us, we’ll leave.” Since then, the company has lost every vote taken. Glossy mailers, friendly press coverage, the promise of alleged economic benefit, and a near-unlimited PR budget. Result? Never more than 33 percent support in open referendum. And they claim “Well, it’s not representative.”

That’s a bold statement, considering the recent referendum in Danbury, which saw greater than a 2-1 rejection of the Wild Meadows Project. That vote actually drew more total voters than did the 2013 general election (46 percent vs. 39 percent).

Iberdrola officials said if we didn’t want them, they’d leave. They were sent here to win the hearts and minds of the locals. They’ve failed. Beyond that, the safety of the Groton installation has been called into question. The New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee has deemed the Wild Meadows application “incomplete,” citing numerous deficiencies. The list goes on and on. Businesses have gains and losses. Iberdrola needs to realize this is a losing cause. To throw additional money at these projects is to do a disservice to its shareholders.

You made your case. It was rejected. Cut your losses. Keep your promise. Leave.

ROBERT PIEHLER and SCOTT PIEHLER

Alexandria and Suwanee, Ga.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/01/17/wind-farm-is-unwanted-here/