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.
Swanson: Counting the cost of the Green New Deal
As the US considers an infrastructure bill, we need to ask ourselves how much is the New Green Deal really going to cost. Let us start with looking at the cost of industrial wind. We are told turbines are cheap. I am seriously reconsidering the information that the media has “reported” in recent years. In Iowa we have cashed in $20 Billion federal dollars to build about 5000 wind turbines. Warren Buffett’s MidAmerican Energy CEOs have admitted publicly that 100% . . . Complete story »
Douglass Township planners begin working on new wind ordinance
DOUGLASS TOWNSHIP – The Douglass Township Planning Commission began the lengthy process of creating a new wind ordinance Wednesday evening in yet another meeting featuring colorful commentary from township officials and dissension from audience members – as well as a failed attempt to limit public comment. About three dozen audience members were present, most wearing face masks, but there wasn’t much social distancing going on as all the chairs were set up side by side in the township hall (the township board . . . Complete story »
NJ, wind-farm developer push for smaller wind-energy area off Hamptons
A top New Jersey utility official and a wind-farm developer on Friday raised objection to the idea that wind turbines should be excluded from waters off the Hamptons, arguing inclusion would foster competition. The official’s request follows federal release Wednesday of proposed wind-farm areas for the waters between New York and New Jersey that unexpectedly excluded two areas 15 miles from Long Island from a proposed lease sale later this year or early next year. New York state and local . . . Complete story »
State Pier redevelopment estimated to cost $235.5 million
New London – The state has put a $235.5 million overall price tag on the project to redevelop State Pier into an offshore wind hub. The figure represents the actual cost of the redevelopment, with $204 million for the construction project and an additional $31 million for “soft costs,” Office of Policy and Management Deputy Secretary Konstantinos Diamantis said during a State Bond Commission meeting Friday. During the meeting, the State Bond Commission approved $55 million toward redeveloping and upgrading the . . . Complete story »
Colstrip operator eyeing wind farm in southeast Montana
Colstrip Power Plant operator and co-owner Talen Energy is eyeing a wind farm on the southeast Montana plains just outside the community where the coal-fired generator is located. Documents obtained by The Billings Gazette show a targeted project area of roughly 14 square miles in Rosebud and Treasure counties where Talen Energy, in a joint venture with Pattern Energy, is pursuing lease agreements for a wind farm of unspecified capacity. Both companies have energy interests in Montana currently. Talen has . . . Complete story »
Thornton: commercial fishermen must be heard as offshore wind farm looms
CREST HAVEN – Commercial fishermen will have an opportunity to air sentiments concerning the offshore wind project before the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners later this month. At its April 13 caucus, Board Director Gerald Thornton told peers at the internet meeting that he wants that segment of the county’s nontourist economy to be heard before turbines are placed within sight of the county and cables cross a local beach. “They (commercial fishermen) have a lot of reservations . . . Complete story »
‘It was always a bad bill’; Local officials are happy HB 1381 died in the statehouse
A bill designed to create statewide standards for solar and wind farms has been defeated. The victory is more about protecting the idea of “home rule” in all 92 counties, say two local officials who personal fought House Bill 1381. Henry County Commissioner Bobbi Plummer and County Council member Betsy Mills traveled to the Indiana Statehouse over the past couple of months to oppose the bill in person. County Council President Susan Huhn testified against HB 1381 before it originally . . . Complete story »
Wayne County officials happy after counties prevail in wind, solar fight with legislature
RICHMOND, Ind. – Indiana’s counties won a fight with the state’s legislature this week, but that fight might continue in the future. House Bill 1381, which would have set statewide default standards for wind and solar projects, was pulled from consideration, even after undergoing significant restructuring. Wayne County’s commissioners had passed a resolution opposing the bill, and they were happy it failed. “When it was all said and done, I was pleased,” said Ken Paust, president of the commissioners, after Wednesday’s . . . Complete story »
Wind farm plan worries WDFW
KENNEWICK – The proposed Horse Heaven Hills Wind Farm just south of the Tri-Cities would be so large that its impacts on important wildlife would be difficult, if not impossible, to avoid, says the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife. While the state agency is still preparing formal written comments, a staff member gave a brief overview of its concerns during Tuesday night’s meeting of the Washington state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. More than 200 people attended the virtual . . . Complete story »
Residents, officials reiterate concerns about wind farm off Atlantic City
Rick Robinson likens the idea of building up to 98 wind turbines on the ocean horizon to placing them on the rim of the Grand Canyon. The Seven Mile Island homeowner was among numerous people who spoke this week at a federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management virtual hearing on a proposed wind farm 15 miles off Atlantic City. In addition to ruining a magnificent view, the 850-foot turbines will endanger wildlife, scar coastal land, scare away fish, interfere with . . . Complete story »
