Wind Power News: Americas
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch 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.
Wind turbine catches fire between Taft and Portland
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A video shows a wind turbine with flames and smoke coming out of it. It happened a little after 5 p.m. on County Road 3367 between Taft and Portland. Local officials say that they have no choice but to let the fire burn itself out. They are currently trying to figure out who the wind turbine belongs to so they can contact them to turn off the electricity. The area is being kept clear in case any . . . Complete story »
Permitting for big wind farms could get a lot faster under new Cuomo proposals
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants 70% of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. That’s got state agencies looking at ways to speed up permitting for wind and solar projects, worrying opponents of larger developments. For proponents of large renewable projects, New York’s permitting process is a labyrinth of regulations that can take years to navigate. To opponents it’s just the opposite: a fast track to approval with minimal public input. Now, under new proposals unveiled Friday by . . . Complete story »
Niagara County forming group to confront large-scale energy projects
Niagara County officials have created a committee to hear the ideas and concerns of those that might be impacted by large-scale renewable energy projects. Three major renewable energy projects are being eyed at in the county. In the Cambria and Pendleton area, the Bear Ridge Solar Project would comprise 900 acres. In the Somerset and Yates area, the Lighthouse Wind Project, a 47-turbine wind project is being proposed. In Hartland and Newfane, the Ridge View Energy Center, which would comprise . . . Complete story »
Preparing for possible wind turbines in Burt County
According to the American Wind Energy Association, as of fourth quarter, there have been 1,045 turbines installed in Nebraska with 26 wind projects. The state ranks 16th for number of wind turbines. Burt County could potentially add to that number, though there are no applications yet. The Burt County Planning Commission met Feb. 10 with a public hearing on setback regulations for wind and solar farms. The meeting was about what the county was doing in their comprehensive plan potentially . . . Complete story »
Bald eagles made a comeback, but golden eagles face an uncertainty
In the 1960s, after years of bald eagles dropping dead across the country due to DDT, the creatures were listed as endangered. If nothing changed with pesticide use, researchers said, bald eagles would simply cease to exist in many areas. Golden eagles, on the other hand, never faced that kind of crisis point. Bald eagles subsisted off of fish and waterfowl that ate insects infected with DDT. Golden eagles ate rabbits and prairie dogs. Their numbers had diminished – the . . . Complete story »
County denies reinvestment zone to surprise of wind farm company
BEEVILLE – The county will not be offering a tax abatement to the company building wind turbines in the Pettus and Pawnee area. This decision Monday, Feb. 10, came by unanimous vote of the court with their denying the formation of reinvestment zone, a required first step to offer the tax reduction. Eric Barnett, with Lincoln Clean Energy, had hoped the county would approve a zone for the future abatement to include an area encompassing both Pawnee and Pettus school . . . Complete story »
Niagara County proposes bar on tax breaks for all renewable energy projects
The Niagara County Legislature this week set a March 10 public hearing on a law to deny property tax breaks for any renewable energy project now on the drawing board – or which might be proposed in the future. That would apply only to county taxes, but school and town boards have passed similar bans for specific projects. State law gives automatic property tax abatements to renewable energy developers, unless localities opt out. With public opposition flaring over proposed massive wind . . . Complete story »
In Scotland, Mills will glimpse Maine’s offshore wind potential
Gov. Janet Mills and two top advisers are participating in a trip to Scotland in early March that is designed to showcase the country’s expertise in developing and hosting offshore wind energy projects, including one that once was planned for Maine. The trip is aimed at sharing knowledge and contacts in a region that boasts the greatest amount of installed offshore wind capacity in the world, the first commercial-scale floating wind turbines and an even larger floating wind project under . . . Complete story »
Sherwood wind turbine ordinance goes to voters
Voters in Sherwood Township will decide Aug. 4 if they want the board approved “Wind Energy Conversion Systems” zoning ordinance to take effect. The controversial law to regulate large industrial wind turbines was passed in December by the township board after nearly two years of work and public hearings by its planning commission and township board. Those opposed filed a notice within seven days to stop enforcement of the law and collected a petition within 30 days to put it . . . Complete story »
Hearing on Dan’s Mountain wind energy project scheduled March 4
CUMBERLAND – A hearing on the proposed Dan’s Mountain Wind Farm has been scheduled for March 4 in Baltimore by the Maryland Public Service Commission. The hearing could be a key moment in the controversial case that has pitted proponents of the wind farm against a citizens group known as Allegany Neighbors and Citizens for Home Owners Rights Limited, or ANCHOR. The proposed wind farm includes placing 17 turbines on the ridgeline of Dan’s Mountain near the communities of Midland and . . . Complete story »
