Wind Power News: Press releases
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.
Study shows that lobsters can detect sound; Raises concern about impact of anthropogenic noise
Woods Hole, MA (July 7, 2021) – A new study demonstrates that lobsters can detect low-frequency sound and suggests that anthropogenic noise could affect lobsters. The study comes out at a time when the construction of more offshore wind farms, with their associated underwater pile driving noise, is being considered in New England. The paper, “Sound detection by the American lobster (Homarus americanus),” found that hairfans – external cuticular hairs that cover much of lobster bodies – likely are responsible . . . Complete story »
Concerns raised over large scale industrial windfarms in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire County Council re-iterates strong concerns to windfarms being included in the newly released Central Lincolnshire Local Plan. Cllr Colin Davie, executive member for environment and planning, explains: “The Local Plan is an important policy document setting the tone for all new development activity and the plan has much to commend it. The public put their trust in councils to make sure developments in Lincolnshire are forward-thinking and environmentally beneficial, but also appropriate to our surroundings. It is important that . . . Complete story »
Rural municipalities, community and conservation groups sue New York State’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting Over 94-C process for siting of industrial solar and wind facilities
The lawsuit claims the Office of Renewable Energy Siting violated New York’s Environmental Quality Review Act. Legal action threatens to halt renewable energy siting projects currently under ORES consideration in New York State while the case is reviewed. (NEW YORK, NY) – Today, local governments, community organizations and conservation and public interest groups across New York State are set to file a lawsuit against the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) asserting a violation of New York State . . . Complete story »
Short sighted planning decision
RE: Coillte Development, proposed Croagh Wind Farm, Leitrim planning application no: 20-120 / Sligo no: 20-251 17th June 2021 SHORT SIGHTED PLANNING DECISION Leitrim and Sligo County Councils have GRANTED planning permission to Coillte to build 10 industrial wind turbines, 8 in Leitrim and 2 in Sligo, close to Drumkeerin and Dromahair. These turbines are of huge scale, 70% taller than the existing turbines in the area, (170 m tip height compared to 100 m tip height.) Wind Aware Dromahair, . . . Complete story »
PacifiCorp proposes expansion of Wyoming wind projects
RAWLINS – Nearly 3,250 megawatts of new, low-cost, clean energy resources including solar, wind, batteries and transmission to interconnect those resources to PacifiCorp’s multi-state grid, could join PacifiCorp’s rapidly decarbonizing system by 2024. Under the proposals, about half of the power could come from Wyoming wind, according to a press release. This is in addition to the plan to replace a retiring coal-powered plant with a nuclear facility. PacifiCorp has identified 19 projects in a final shortlist of bids derived through . . . Complete story »
Councils’ decisions anxiously awaited
RE: Coillte Development, proposed Croagh Wind Farm, Leitrim planning application no 20-120 / Sligo pa 20-251 14th June 2021 Both Sligo and Leitrim County Councils will make a decision on the proposed Coillte Croagh wind farm near Dromahair this week. Nearly 200 submissions were made to the local planning authorities in relation to the construction of these giant wind turbines, which, if built would be over 70% higher than any existing turbines in the area. One submission from Leitrim Wind . . . Complete story »
Corporation Commission rejects the will of the voters, adopts Prop 127–styled energy mandates
Phoenix – On Wednesday, the Corporation Commission disregarded the clear will of the voters and advanced energy mandates nearly identical to what the voters overwhelmingly rejected just over two years ago. With 68.2% voting no, Arizonans resoundingly defeated Proposition 127 that would have required Arizona’s utilities to obtain 50% of their power from renewable sources. Voters sent a clear message that they do not support arbitrary mandates that will drive up the cost of their energy bills. While Proposition 127 was . . . Complete story »
Two-thirds of Illinois counties oppose SB1602 limiting local zoning laws
Counties are voting to oppose a proposed state law that would take away local control zoning regulations relating to wind turbines. This would severely limit the ability of county governments to pass zoning laws relating to siting and other issues in wind energy development. The wording of SB1602 is in the Governor’s energy bill currently under consideration in the Spring Session of the Illinois General Assembly. The wording in the Governor’s bill and in SB1602 will severely restrict the ability . . . Complete story »
Responsible Offshore Development Alliance condemns BOEM’s rush to a record of decision that puts the administration’s arbitrary goals ahead of fishermen safety
Washington, D.C. – Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA), a broad membership-based coalition of fishing industry associations and fishing companies, condemns in the strongest possible terms the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) issuance of a Record of Decision for the previously terminated Vineyard Wind 1 Offshore Wind Energy Project. BOEM continues to abdicate its responsibility to the public and leave all decision-making to large, multinational corporations, including this Decision which includes effectively no mitigation measures to offset impacts to critical ocean . . . Complete story »
Clean energy demand for critical minerals set to soar as the world pursues net zero goals
In the most comprehensive global study yet, IEA shows need for government action to ensure reliable, sustainable supplies of elements vital for EVs, power grids, wind turbines and other key technologies. Complete story »
