Wind Power News: Letters
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Wind turbines spar with property rights
The current wind energy regulations are written so that the noise measurement is taken from the exterior wall of my house. That means that all my property between my house and my neighbor’s wind turbine is in a higher noise limit that is deemed safe by the health department for people who don’t want to contract with the wind energy company like me. The health and planning department reasoning is that we spend most of our time inside our homes. . . . Complete story »
We like our open spaces across N.D.
This letter is in response to the comments made by the CEO of PNE USA Inc, developer of the Burleigh-Emmons Wind Farm (Dec. 21), Ron Flax-Davidson of Chicago. I don’t expect someone from the Chicago area to understand how we appreciate the wide open spaces of the North Dakota prairies. These unobscured views are becoming more and more scarce as the state witnesses the continued search for oil and coal, not to mention the hundreds of wind turbines already here. . . . Complete story »
Take close look at wind turbines
An editorial letter recently published from one of EDP’s proponents insinuated that surely people in Douglas County were well informed of that entity’s intent to construct industrial wind turbines as far back as 2008. I would contend that many typically well-informed, actively engaged people in our community were caught by surprise that EDP had planted roots without their intent being revealed to the broader public until the company had invested significant potential financial agreements among key players in the county. . . . Complete story »
Wind farms not an experiment for a few years, but several generations
There is an ongoing effort to lease land for a proposed wind farm in Southwestern Brown and Southeastern Coleman counties. This wind farm could contain up to 100 wind turbines that are 575 feet tall. A group of concerned citizens are attempting to inform landowners and the general public about the proposed wind farm. Landowners in the area who oppose the wind farm far outnumber those that have signed a lease. The group intends to publicize the negative impact that . . . Complete story »
Address wind turbine concerns
When considering the construction of an industrial wind project within a county, several key issues need to be addressed for the health and safety of everyone potentially living within its footprint. The most important issue to be considered is setbacks. The current Douglas County WECS ordinance, written in 2009, calls for a setback of only 1,000 feet from a home or dwelling, not property line. The 1,000-foot setback is neither a fair nor reasonable distance when it comes to the . . . Complete story »
Wind farm would harm tourism industry
For years, I’ve heard that our natural resources and their beauty are this region’s greatest asset. Tourism in Cambria and Somerset counties is growing because of our vast outdoor recreation opportunities – hiking and biking trails, hunting and fishing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, skiing and snowmobiling to name a few. In many cases, outdoor recreation is the only reason people from urban areas such as Pittsburgh come to Cambria or Somerset counties. But now, the Greater Johnstown Water Authority wants to . . . Complete story »
Big Wind bouncers make bad neighbors
Nov. 15, I attended the Apex public information meeting for the Firelands Wind LLC-Emerson Creek Project (OPSB case # 18-1607-EL-BGN). These public meetings are required by administrative rules for the Ohio Power Siting Board under OAC 4906-3-03. The meeting had some poster presentations and a map which depicted the locations of 655-foot-tall industrial yurbines. The majority of the 84 turbines will be in Erie and Huron counties. At one point during the meeting, I stopped to speak with a couple . . . Complete story »
Commissioner Stacy’s job is to represent residents
When we read Commissioner Stacy’s editorial from November 20, two words stood out boldly to us…I feel. She stated, “It has been worth it to do what I feel is right for the people of Seneca County.” Commissioner Stacy was not elected to do what she feels. She is being paid by tax dollars from Seneca County citizens to represent the people of the county. It is not representation when she votes for what she feels. Commissioner Stacy should attend . . . Complete story »
Reader wants removal of ERA designations for wind companies
The local Chamber of Commerce seems to be in full support of Apex Roaming Bison’s proposed industrial wind turbine project in Montgomery County. However, there are a few items that should be brought to light in regards to Apex as a local business. First, commissioners have not approved their proposal. Although Apex has been trying to convince commissioners to sign an economic development agreement for almost a year now, their proposal was denied in September. There have been no building . . . Complete story »
Peatlands and wind turbines
There is no doubt about the importance of peatlands in the battle against climate change, as Paddy Woodworth writes (Science, December 6th). However, their mismanagement continues. The cutting and burning of Ireland’s peat bogs (which are huge stores of carbon) may be ending, but most onshore Irish wind turbines are erected on bogland which can decompose for hundreds of metres round every turbine, releasing millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide. Wind farms may eventually emit more carbon than an equivalent . . . Complete story »
