Wind Power News: April 2015
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.
Campaigners show strength of feeling in opposition to wind turbine
Campaigners are fighting to block a ‘monstrosity’ of a 100m high wind turbine being erected near to an east Cleveland village. The scheme, near to Kilton Thorpe, was thrown out by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s planning committee but the applicant has taken his challenge to the Planning Inspectorate. More than 20 protesters turned out for the start of the two-day hearing in Guisborough to express their concerns about the impact the turbine would have on their lives. This morning . . . Complete story »
High Court throws out West Huntspill wind farm appeal by Ecotricity
Controversial proposals for a wind farm near Burnham-On-Sea were thrown out by the High Court on Tuesday (April 28th), delighting campaigners fighting the scheme. Green energy firm Ecotricity wanted to build a farm of huge wind turbines at Black Ditch in West Huntspill, as pictured in the photomontage above. Campaigners told Burnham-On-Sea.com they are “pleased and relieved” that the long-running plans have been finally thrown out by the High Court in London after five years of discussions. The scheme was . . . Complete story »
More wind power, like it or not
How would you like 2,000 more turbines on top of the 1,000 we already have? Wind turbines are ugly and noisy, they kill birds, and they produce very little electricity at a very high cost. Naturally the government thinks we ought to have more of them. And northern Indiana, being flat and windy, is likely to get a lot of them. If you think the 1,031 wind turbines we have now are a blight upon the land, how would you . . . Complete story »
Nevada’s wind turbines no longer making cents
Citing decreased savings from the wind turbines that have been part of the city’s skyline for more than a decade, the Nevada school board is considering decommissioning them. The board tabled their discussion of the turbines during their meeting Monday, saying they wanted to give the community a chance to learn more about the possible decision. “The windmills are a community perception,” said board member Tori Carsrud. “We need to bring this to the public. I don’t want to make . . . Complete story »
Dix delays action on wind farm law
Following a public hearing attended by 25 people, the Dix town board chose to not take action on the proposed wind farm regulations Monday, April 27. Residents from both inside and outside the town of Dix voiced their concerns, which ranged from health and wildlife impacts to property values and setbacks. While the board could have taken action to adopt the measure, Supervisor Harold Russell said there is still more information he would like the board to get before voting, . . . Complete story »
Utility scale wind energy zoning amend hearing tonight
For more than seven months, the Mason County Planning Commission has been reviewing the text of “Section 17.0 Utility Grid Wind Systems” in the Mason County zoning ordinance. Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the Amber Township Hall the commission will meet in special session to conduct a second public hearing on proposed changes stemming from what so far has been learned in the wake of Lake Winds Energy Park being built and going into operation in Riverton . . . Complete story »
Mainers’ rights
When the Expedited Permitting Area was created as part of the Wind Energy Act of 2008, less than 1 percent of Maine residents abruptly lost an avenue to have meaningful input into questions of zoning. That “emergency legislation” summarily gave the wind industry an expedited path to change the future of our communities, whether or not we supported that change. The Expedited Permitting Area was created behind closed doors. No minutes were taken of these meetings. The parties who created . . . Complete story »
Thompson Brothers denied wind turbine variance
For the second time in nine months, Thompson Brothers Greenhouse was denied its application for a variance to bypass town height restrictions and erect a 13-story wind turbine on its Clarence Center Road property. During the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting Monday night, residents from streets surrounding the 18-acre greenhouse lot packed Town Hall to hear whether or not the turbine would be approved. A group of about 30 homeowners retained attorney Jeffrey Palumbo to speak on their behalf in . . . Complete story »
Oklahoma bill limits wind turbines’ encroachment
Legislation signed into law by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin should enhance flight safety by setting a minimum mile-and-a-half distance from airports for the construction of new wind-energy turbines. Fallin signed Senate Bill 808 on April 17. The bill will take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns, scheduled for May 29, said Yasmina Platt, AOPA Central/Southwest regional manager. The AOPA-supported measure was spearheaded by Sen. Brian Bingman (R-District 2) and Rep. Earl Sears (R-District 11). The provision on setback of . . . Complete story »
Caithness windfarm plans deferred for examination of council rules
Proposals for a small windfarm in Caithness are up in the air after the MoD objected saying it could interfere with their RAF radar. Wind Harvest Ltd wants to build three turbines on land at Hill of Lychrobbie, Dunbeath. Two of the turbines will be financed, constructed and operated on behalf of the Berriedale and Dunbeath community, with profits going to a community group. The MoD objects to the development on the grounds that the turbines would cause unacceptable interference . . . Complete story »
