Wind turbines disruptive
Letter, 7/21: Wind turbines disruptive | Lincoln Journal Star | July 21, 2016 | journalstar.com
Letter, 7/21: Wind turbines disruptive | Lincoln Journal Star | July 21, 2016 | journalstar.com
Normally, I am a strong advocate for private property rights but wind energy brings different factors into play. Wind farms being built often depend completely on government subsidies to have the illusion of being profitable. If and when these subsidies expire, so will the viability of wind energy. Wind turbines are not efficient. When the wind doesn’t blow, they don’t produce energy. They cost mega bucks to build, erect and maintain and without the government subsidies and tax credits, they would never produce enough electricity to pay for the initial cost and upkeep.
Another consideration is that while those erecting wind turbines on their property stand to make money, nearby neighbors stand to lose quality of life. Most of the landowners seeking to put wind towers near Kilgore don’t live close enough to be personally affected. Nearby neighbors will be impacted and the value of their property will diminish. There will be much extra travel on local roads, with safety being an issue. The Sandhills are very fragile (“Landowners vent about utility line, NPPD listens,” July 15). The same wind that provides power for the turbines can and will cause erosion around the foundations and service roads.
Our unique and pristine Sandhills region is one of the premier ranching locations in the whole world. We love our Sandhills just as they are. Residents have everything that people desire, including beautiful landscapes, blue sky, pure water, an abundance of elbow room and great neighbors. Why would we want to implement change that would jeopardize any of these wonderful attributes? We need to pause, take a deep breath and soak up the great blessings that have already been bestowed upon us.
Steve Moreland, Merriman
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/07/22/wind-turbines-disruptive/