Haida reject wind farm partnership
Credit: CFTK TV, www.cftktv.com 12 December 2011 ~~
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Members of the Haida Nation have strongly rejected a proposed business partnership with the company wanting to build an offshore wind farm in Hecate Strait.
In balloting conducted over the past two weekend, Haida citizens voted 505 to 181 against entering a partnership with Naikun Wind Energy, according to results posted on the Council of the Haida Nation website.
The Haida Development Corporation announced a memorandum of understanding back in 2009 for involvement in the project, contingent on a number of conditions, including an environmental review conducted by the Haida.
An independent review was generally favourable toward the project, suggesting it would have limited environmental effects and would create jobs and provide Haida Gwaii with greener electricity than that now produced by diesel generators.
However, many Haida remain concerned about the effect of offshore wind turbines on marine life and birds, as well as the financial risks of the huge project.
Although the wind farm plan has received federal and provincial government environmental approvals, Naikun has failed to win a contract with B.C. Hydro for the sale of electricity. As a result, in the past year or so, the company has been downsizing its operations and recently announced a move to smaller corporate offices in Vancouver.
This article is the work of the source indicated. Any opinions expressed in it are not necessarily those of National Wind Watch.
The copyright of this article resides with the author or publisher indicated. As part of its noncommercial educational effort to present the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development to a global audience seeking such information, National Wind Watch endeavors to observe “fair use” as provided for in section 107 of U.S. Copyright Law and similar “fair dealing” provisions of the copyright laws of other nations. Send requests to excerpt, general inquiries, and comments via e-mail.
Wind Watch relies entirely on User Funding |
(via Stripe) |
(via Paypal) |
Share: