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Wind Power News: November 2017
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.
Senate bill threatens US renewable energy tax equity market
The base erosion tax in the Senate version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would hurt, unless amended, wind and solar investments in the US and damage tax equity markets, renewable energy groups warn. In a joint letter to the US Senate on Wednesday, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions are calling for an amendment to exempt the production and investment tax . . . Complete story »
Developers ditch wind power easements in Lincoln County
The company behind a controversial wind farm proposal in Lincoln County has terminated its easements with 122 property owners. Dakota Power Community Wind had initially pitched a project that would have become the state’s largest wind farm, capable of producing up to 1,000 megawatts of power through up to 500 turbines. After three years of controversy and a well-organized, countywide pushback from opponents, commissioners passed a setback ordinance so strict the company dubbed it a ban on wind development. Voters . . . Complete story »
‘It’s David versus Goliath’
Preparing for what they’re calling a ‘David versus Goliath battle’, a grassroots group is organizing opposition to the Otter Creek wind turbine project proposed for north of Wallaceburg. But money is needed to fight a large wind company. Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns has a GoFundMe account, which has brought in $1,325 of their $50,000 goal. As well, the organization is accepting donations at the TD bank branch on James Street in Wallaceburg. Earl Towell, a member of the newly formed . . . Complete story »
Wind farm seeks to increase allowed number of bat deaths
Decades after the Hawaiian hoary bat was labeled an endangered species, its population remains a mystery to scientists – which is why Maui conservation groups are hesitant over one wind farm’s request to increase the number of bats it’s allowed to incidentally kill. Kaheawa Wind Power II, a 21-megawatt wind energy facility on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, wants to increase the number of permitted bat fatalities from 11 to 62 adults and nene fatalities from 30 to 48 . . . Complete story »
Burnside officials tweak wind ordinance
BURNSIDE TWP. – The Burnside Township Board of Trustees plans to next month revisit proposed amendments in its zoning ordinance pertaining to wind energy developments – changes under consideration despite claims from DTE Energy officials that they are too restrictive. The township board held its regular meeting Monday and discussed amendments to the zoning ordinance as recommended by the planning commission, which has held two public hearings on the matter since September. The board tabled any action after agreeing to tweak several . . . Complete story »
It’s monotonous and intrusive
It started in earnest on Monday, Nov. 6. It was going full-blast Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, except for some slower rotations during the early to late mornings. On Saturday, the 11th – relief! The only problem is, it will begin again, often on Sundays; hopefully not until Monday. At one time, for 30 years or more, there was no intrusion at all. That was until wind turbines moved into the area. There are thousands of people, worldwide, who find . . . Complete story »
River RATS wants more stakeholders involved in Fort Drum study
A coalition opposed to the Horse Creek Wind Farm project wants additional measures taken to address the potential compatibility issues involving wind development, Fort Drum and the north country. River Residents Against Turbines, or River RATs, claimed in the comments it recently submitted to the Development Authority of the North Country, which facilitated the study, that the document doesn’t have enough stakeholders or stakeholder feedback to address the possible effects of wind energy development in the region. “There are all . . . Complete story »
Seneca residents get info on Republic Wind project
GREEN SPRINGS – APEX Clean Energy, a company proposing about 60 wind turbines in the Republic Wind project, hosted a pre-application open house Wednesday evening at Green Springs VFW to provide a project overview – one step in the process of getting the project approved. The company intends to file an application with the Ohio Power Siting Board within 90 days for a facility that would generate 200 megawatts of electricity. However, application approval hinges on the outcome of legislation being considered . . . Complete story »
Parishville Town Council approves resolution opposing wind farm development near Fort Drum
PARISHVILLE – The Parishville Town Board unanimously approve a resolution opposing wind farm development in proximity to Fort Drum. Avangrid Renewable’s North Ridge Wind Farm calls for about 40 500-foot wind towers to be built in Hopkinton and Parishville. The Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization says it does not support industrial wind turbines in the region, including the proposed wind farm in St. Lawrence County, due to their potential impacts on the operational readiness of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division. . . . Complete story »
Planning Minister responds to Cobden’s airport’s wind farm concerns
Victoria’s Planning Minister says he will look into the potential impacts of a planned wind farm near Cobden’s airstrip. Speaking in parliament this week, Richard Wynne said the airstrip, which would be located a few kilometres from the planned Naroghid wind farm, was a significant asset for the region. “The protection of significant assets such as an airport are very critical in country Victoria, and I am very aware of their importance, particularly in relation to medical evacuations and so . . . Complete story »
