Wind Power News: November 2016
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.
Communities set to win power battle over wind turbines
Wind farm developers who fail to consult with local communities could be forced to build their turbines up to 1km from homes under new plans being devised by Denis Naughten, the energy minister. Naughten is reviewing wind farm regulations with Simon Coveney, the housing and planning minister, and wants wind energy firms to engage with residents living near their developments. Firms that engage in a meaningful way will be able to locate turbines as close as 500m to family homes . . . Complete story »
BZA still makes no decision on Warren County wind farm proposal
The Warren County Board of Zoning Appeals met for a third time Monday night on a proposed wind farm, but still no decision has been made. Three hearings and nine hours later, the board of zoning appeals still has yet to take a vote. “I love that our zoning board is giving everybody the opportunity to talk and speak,” said Warren County resident James Elrod. “This is democracy and it’s awesome.” The vote is over a wind farm proposal, called . . . Complete story »
France and Britain in danger of winter power shortages
France and the U.K. are the two nations in Europe most at risk of power shortages this winter, particularly if there is a cold snap in early December or January. With availability of Electricite de France SA’s French nuclear fleet at the lowest level in a decade, the nation will need to rely on imports during several weeks and adding a cold spell to that could make the situation “tense,” according to European grid group Entsoe’s Winter Outlook report. Britain . . . Complete story »
Solar, wind industries hope years courting Republicans pays off under Trump
U.S. wind and solar companies for the first time gave more money to Republicans than Democrats during the 2016 election cycle, according to federal campaign disclosures, part of a years-long effort to expand renewable energy’s appeal beyond liberal environmentalists. The industry is now hoping its strategy of reaching across the political divide will pay off in the form of Congressional support as Republican Donald Trump, a climate change skeptic who has expressed doubts about the role of clean energy, takes . . . Complete story »
Councillors to rule on colleague’s wind turbine bid… Again
A councillor at the centre of a planning controversy will discover this week whether he has gained permission to build a wind turbine. Turriff councillor Sandy Duncan first lodged proposals to build the 150ft-high structure at his land at Beechwood, Forglen, three years ago, and has subsequently had planning permission withdrawn twice. A legal challenge at the Court of Session delayed the scheme earlier this year and planning approval was held up again last month when Mr Duncan was accused . . . Complete story »
Anti-turbine group invites Oosterhoff to AGM
SMITHVILLE—On Dec. 1, MPP Sam Oosterhoff is going to get a crash course in wind turbines. The newly elected member of Provincial Parliament will be attending the West Lincoln Glanbrook Wind Action Group’s annual general meeting, where he will be briefed on the work the group has done this year in their fight against the proliferation of wind farms in the region, as well as their main concerns about the technology. “I am attending this meeting mostly to get more . . . Complete story »
Too many issues with wind farms
As longtime residents of Henry County, we are concerned about the hundreds of turbines that are being considered here. We live in a rural area and would be surrounded by them. We built our home in the country because we loved the peacefulness and beauty it offered. These turbines would not only change our way of life, they would drastically reduce the value of the home and property that we love. It is disturbing to think our neighbors can put . . . Complete story »
Stop the Dairy Air wind project
Last week the votes were finally counted in the poll taken regarding the Dairy Air industrial wind project in Holland. The final tally was 314 opposed and 59 in favor, an overwhelming rejection of this horrible plan to turn our small, rural agricultural town into an industrial landscape. The townspeople have spoken. Due to this 5 to 1 margin of opposition. I would urge the developers and the Champney family to do what is right for the town and withdraw . . . Complete story »
Phil Scott’s challenge
What happens when an irresistible force meets and unmovable object? Vermonters will find out in January when the new Republican governor officially takes office along with a legislature that has, if anything, moved a little to the left. During the campaign, governor-elect Scott, often accused by his critics of being non-committal and unspecific, was actually quite stalwart and crystal clear on a number of key issues: he will veto a carbon tax, wants a moratorium on large-scale wind energy development, . . . Complete story »
Company behind potential wind energy line needs more time
Mississippi’s Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley gave an update Monday to WCBI on the potential Texas-to-Alabama wind energy line which could cross portions of the Golden Triangle. Southern Cross Transmission , the company behind it, needs more time to submit its proposal. Presley said that could come by late December or early next year. He wants the company to look at using Mississippi contractors and he wants residents to benefit from the energy. He says the company will . . . Complete story »
