Wind project deserves greater scrutiny
Baltimore Sun | August 24, 2014 |
I was born and raised in Somerset County, and take issue with The Sun’s “Let the Navy decide” (Aug. 19) editorial concerning the Wind Energy project. It saddens me to think that the scenic landscape and natural resources enjoyed by so many will be forever changed as a result of greed and the political aspirations of a select few.
I find it unconscionable that 600-foot wind turbines could be placed in a pristine landscape surrounded by bird sanctuaries. In comparison, the tallest building in Maryland, Baltimore’s Transamerica Tower, is 528 feet. Further, the decision to “fast-track” this project demonstrates a blatant disregard for the impact these behemoths will have on radar systems that protect our country.
I commend U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski and Rep. Steny Hoyer for questioning the wisdom of moving forward before the second phase of an MIT study is completed. Unfortunately, it will be too late to react when the general public realizes what was shoved down their throats with promises of lucrative job opportunities, continuing economic benefits, protection of wildlife and zero impact on Patuxent River Naval Air Station radar systems. If you believe these promises then I have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn.
Gov. Martin O’Malley’s veto of a bill that would have imposed a 15-month moratorium on the wind energy project confirmed what many of us have known since the project was first made public – final approval was assured at project conception, a classic example of “good old boy” backroom politics. The series of public hearings that were held were simply “feel good” meetings to pacify project opponents. Something was rotten in Denmark. The project was already a done deal.
I hope The Sun will assign an investigative reporter to this politically-driven fiasco to clear the smoke screen and ensure project transparency.
Bill Martin, Towson
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/08/24/wind-project-deserves-greater-scrutiny/