Wind Power News: Texas
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.
Cost of green energy
Re: “Put damaging fossil fuels in the past,” Other Views, Tuesday: It appears that the ability to use rational thought is not a requirement to be a professor at Texas A&M University since Andrew Dessler states, “Energy sources like wind and solar whose price – zero! – is set by nature.” Wind and solar are definitely not free sources of energy. The costs to build and maintain wind farms and solar farms are astronomical. The reliability of those sources is strictly weather . . . Complete story »
Photos, video show train slamming into semi-truck hauling wind turbine blade in Luling
LULING, Texas – Videos and pictures are circulating on social media, displaying a harmful crash in Luling involving a train and a semi-truck that was hauling a wind turbine blade. The metropolis of Luling is nearly an hour away from San Antonio, and 25 miles west of Seguin. The crash occurred Sunday afternoon after the semi-truck was seemingly stopped on the railroad tracks on Highway 183 for an unknown motive. Just moments later, the railroad crossing gate’s arms got here . . . Complete story »
Train blasts through truck carrying wind turbine propeller through Luling
BEXAR COUNTY (KTSA News) – A Union Pacific train crashed into a truck hauling a wind turbine propeller in Luling Sunday afternoon. Witness videos show the truck was turning north onto Magnolia Avenue from Pierce Street to continue its journey along U.S. 183 through the town at around 2:40 p.m. Sunday. Caleb Brandon, via Facebook The truck appeared to be stopped on the tracks as it was navigating the turn. Witness video shows the railroad crossing arms then start lowering onto . . . Complete story »
VIDEO: Train crashes into 18-wheeler with wind turbine blade attached
LULING, Texas – An 18-wheeler pulling a wind turbine blade rolled over after being struck by a train in Luling on Sunday. Union Pacific officials said the train collided with the 18-wheeler around 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of U.S. 90 and U.S. 183. The Luling Police Department said the Northern Lights Specialized Transport truck was partially across the railroad track when it was struck by the train. The truck and trailer were overturned. Police said the trailer split, and . . . Complete story »
Young County hosts third wind farm hearing
Before approving an extended reinvestment zone for a proposed wind farm in Young County and the tax abatement and road use agreements, the Young County Commissioners Court hosted a public hearing. The hearing allowed the public to ask questions and voice their opinions, either for or against, the Apex Wind Farm Reinvestment Zone. The main issue voiced during the public hearing was a wind farm’s effects on the land value of the neighboring properties that do not have wind turbines. . . . Complete story »
Texas reportedly blocks Chinese billionaire’s wind farm amid hacking fears
Texas lawmakers are blocking a Chinese billionaire from setting up a wind farm near a US military base over fears it could be used to hack into the state’s power grid, according to reports. Sun Guangxin, 59, spent five years buying up 140,000 acres in southwest Texas’ Val Verde so he could build the Blue Hills Wind Farm. The cost of the land, which is close to Laughlin Air Force Base, is estimated to be about $110 million, Forbes reports. . . . Complete story »
Wind farm county public meeting scheduled
The Young County Commissioners Court will host a public hearing Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. for public comment regarding a proposed wind farm in Young County. The court will listen to public comments before making consideration on a new reinvestment zone as well as tax abatement and road use agreements. The reinvestment zone, titled Reinvestment Zone No. 3, is expected to cover the previous zone as well as newer properties that have since made agreements with Young Wind LLC. Development . . . Complete story »
County to vote on tax abatements
Jack County Commissioners will hold a meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, July 12 to consider the application of Lasso Wind, LLC, for the designation of a certain area of the county as a reinvestment zone for tax abatement. Ever since the company submitted its application, commissioners have been met by a vocal opposition group. North Texas Heritage Association (NTHA) members have been urging Jack County officials to not allow a wind farm to set up shop in the north part . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine catches fires in Willacy County
A wind turbine caught fire in Lyford on Monday. The Willacy County Sheriff’s Office said the turbine is located on the area of Simo road and Zinnia. Officials say local fire departments are on scene. Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area. No other information has been released. Check back for updates. Complete story »
Fire departments respond to wind turbine fire in Lyford
Fire departments responded to a wind turbine fire in Lyford Monday afternoon, according to the Willacy County Sheriff’s Office. The wind turbine is located in the area of Simo Road and Zinnia Road, the sheriff’s office said. The public is asked to avoid the area as fire departments respond to the fire. Complete story »
