March 01, 2006
Breaking wind
As far as the wind power project proposed for the mountaintops in Maine's Redington Range, Bob Cummings pretty much nails it in his guest column today.
Cummings says "yes" to wind power as part of our future energy mix. But "no" to locating a wind farm on some of our high peaks in direct view of the Appalachian Trail corridor.
I agree.
Now that may, understandably, sound NIMBYish.
As Bob says, wind can and should be part of our new energy plan. But if the visual and physical impact is going to be so severe, as it will be in the Redington case, can we justify it?
No.
It hurts to say so, but no.
I take issue with terming the wind project developer in this case an "intruder", and then villifying the company with facts and figures on the size and scope of the project.
That doesn't help the matter.
Any wind project is going to be big and intrusive and have environmental impacts. Not just the Redington proposal. And not just Endless Energy.
Let's be fair.
So...
What now?
Where are we going to hide the wind elephant, this thing that most everybody agrees is good, but that nobody wants near them and their viewshed?
When I tell you I think a better location might be along Maine's coastline, what will you say?
No way?
Nah, uh. Never!
Then what?
I found some good information that can serve as a starting point for consideration of wind power projects in a coastal environment. Check out the 'Who Says What' page for sure. That'll give you reading material on the topic for awhile.
Give it a look see, sort through it, and let me know your thoughts.
Carey,
Interesting information on that link you provided. I think it's a good concept (offshore wind farm)as it's no more offensive than any offshore OIL RIG. No one wants it in their eye-shot, but they damn sure want to benefit from it, right? I can't believe that someone is already documenting how many songbirds have perished due to impacting the blades.
Where is the study/outcry of songbirds swept out to sea during a Nor-Easter, so far that they are unable to make landfall and die of exhaustion over the open ocean. Sheesh. Who can we sue over that injustice to nature?
I say we press on with the harnessing of this endless supply of power.
Posted by
Bluenose84March 1, 2006 04:27 PM
All right, here we go again, No Nukes, No Oil refineries, No Big A dam, No Sears Island, No Quoddy Dam, No Dicky Lincoln dam, No Landfills, No Trash to energy plants, No Casinos, No Racino's, No clear cutting, No Moosehead development and now NO Windmills. Hey, lets keep Maine the Way Life should be. The highest taxes in the country, 36th in the nation in per capita income and last in New England, the second oldest in age population only to Florida, the highest per centage for second home ownership and have among the highest cost's in the country for energy. Won't be long before we'll be a true Vacation Land. Only problem is we will all be waiting on the Rich and Famous to make a living.One half minimum wage plus tips... Not in my back yard..............
Posted by
RodmanMarch 1, 2006 05:12 PM
Damn Rodman, you could almost be mistaken for one of them conservative pro-business types? What gives?
Posted by Bush 43er
March 1, 2006 08:55 PM
Rig them up with bird repellers and paint them green, for heaven's sake.
Posted by
OutsiderAugust 4, 2006 05:41 PM
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