• Throwing caution to the wind

    Updated: 2010-07-31 15:40:08
    The growth of wind power is exploding across Canada. Wind farms are springing up as easy investments in green energy. Scientific studies have raised serious concerns about the impact they could have on human health. But few are paying much attention. As Sylvia Squair reports, some doctors and scientists are now joining concerned citizens, urging the government and the industry not to throw caution to the wind.

  • Shifting power on wind: Legislation to speed permitting for energy projects, overriding local zoning, splits area lawmakers

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:50:36
    AMHERST – Hampshire County is home to no commercial or community-scale wind turbines. That may change following agreement this week on a controversial bill designed to expedite permits for windmills. The legislation produced a sharp debate between alternative energy advocates, who argue the measure was needed to spur development of wind power in the commonwealth, and advocates of local control, who say the bill gives too much power to the wind industry to overrun municipal zoning bylaws. Lawmakers reached a . . .

  • Noise threat to wind turbines

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:50:01
    Westcountry households could see noisy wind farm developments blocked after the Government unveiled details of a review into controversial planning decisions. Developers at sites across the Devon and Cornwall countryside have been locked in bitter disputes over the noise pollution caused by giant wind turbines that campaigners claim damage people’s health. Plans to erect nine turbines at Den Brook, near Crediton, Mid-Devon, await a decision from the High Court following a two-day hearing this week. Now it has emerged the . . .

  • Ragged Mountain wind project remains on agenda

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:49:46
    Camden — The Camden Energy Committee will meet Monday, Aug. 2 for an agenda that includes a discussion of ideas for suggestions to the Select Board regarding a Ragged Mountain wind project and a recent presentation by George Baker of the Island Institute’s Community Wind Program. At its June 7 meeting, the Energy Committee discussed possible next steps for the formation of a multi-town committee to pursue funding and preliminary assessment of issues specific to Ragged Mountain. In notes prepared . . .

  • At whim of the wind

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:48:56
    A hidden cost of wind power is that it requires full backup from conventional power plants for those times when the wind does not blow sufficiently or when it blows too strongly. Gov. Deval Patrick has declared a goal of 2,000 megawatts of wind power by the year 2020 and the state has engaged in significant programs to achieve that goal, including soon-to-be-finalized legislation that, among other things, weakens the power of town boards from permitting decisions. Lost in this . . .

  • Wind-power worries

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:48:26
    Proposals for hundreds of wind turbines in the Great Lakes have raised concerns among wildlife biologists. Dr. Scott Petrie, executive director of Long Point Waterfowl, who examined a map of proposed wind farms in Lakes Ontario, Erie, and St. Clair, said the numbers will “boggle your mind.” South Point Wind’s proposal for 715 turbines in western Lake Erie between Rondeau and Amherstburg and Lake St. Clair have resulted in heated community meetings. Hundreds more are being planned for the American . . .

  • Legislators explain why they oppose offshore project

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:47:43
    Several members of the Oswego County Legislature’s Economic Development and Planning Committee addressed the reasons they objected to the proposed Great Lakes offshore wind turbine project at the July 27 meeting. While at a meeting held in regard to the project, Legislator Louella LeClair related that New York Power Authority Chief Executive Officer Richard Kessel said there were no advantages for the county to host the wind turbines. “He said there was no benefit as far as taxing or anything . . .

  • Martha Coakley zaps Cape Wind; AG brokers deal but critics say project still too pricey

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:47:20
    Attorney General Martha Coakley has strong-armed Cape Wind Associates into lowering the proposed rates for its controversial offshore wind farm after sometimes bitter negotiations over the project’s multibillion-dollar costs. Though critics say Coakley’s new agreement remains too costly for consumers, Coakley said yesterday she got the best deal possible to lower planned rate hikes by about 10 percent, or $456 million, over 15 years. “We believe in the importance of wind power, but not at any price,” Coakley said in . . .

  • Adams County group introduces wind energy revisions of its own

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:46:45
    A group of Adams County residents has proposed seven additional changes to the county’s wind ordinance. The Advocates for Responsible Energy Development issued their recommendations as the county released the draft of revisions to the county wind ordinance Wednesday. Quincyan John Gebhardt, a member of the organization, said the revisions proposed by the county are not protecting the rights of the nonparticipants. “If you look at it, the ordinance tends to lean towards encouraging the wind turbine companies to come . . .

  • Lawmakers await results of high-stakes secret negotiations

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:46:39
    BOSTON — Democratic legislative leaders scrambled Friday to salvage major policy proposals, hoping to put far-reaching initiatives before the House and Senate for up-or-down votes prior to a midnight Saturday deadline. Rank-and-file lawmakers roamed the State House hallways Friday afternoon, awaiting word from special committees largely operating in secret and charged with forging agreements on economic development, criminal justice, wind energy siting, health care and expanded gambling bills. An agreement on the wind bill was filed Thursday night and could . . .

  • Advocates for Responsible Energy Development recommend “common sense” changes

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:45:41
    The following is a press release from the Advocates for Responsible Energy Development (ARED): The Advocates for Responsible Energy Development (ARED) a newly formed group representing over 200 Adams County Residents, met to review the new “draft” of Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) Regulations “. After extensive review of the new regulation by the group they are recommending seven changes to the WECS Regulations. Click here to read the entire press release which includes the seven recommended changes and the . . .

  • Concerns over impact of wind farm

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:44:54
    Concerns have been aired about the potential impact on people’s health from a planned wind farm near Thornbury. Parish leaders in areas surrounding the site being considered for the scheme said there had not been adequate investigations generally into health problems which are claimed to be linked to wind turbines. They said headaches, sleep loss, nausea, anxiety and tinnitus were some of the symptoms associated with low frequency noise from wind farms less than a mile away from homes. Movement . . .

  • Legislators clarify position on offshore wind turbines

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:44:07
    The Oswego County Legislature will not be revisiting an offshore wind turbine project proposed by the New York Power Authority and they want the public to be aware that the issue is not under discussion. Lawmakers in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting of the legislature’s Economic Development and Planning Committee took issue with a story published in that day’s issue of The Palladium-Times that stated, “Discussions by area officials regarding the development of a wind turbine farm based in the Oswego . . .

  • AIM trade group statement on Cape Wind deal

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:43:10
    The following is a statement from Associated Industries of Massachusetts reacting to Attorney General Martha Coakley’s cost-cutting deal on National Grid’s Cape Wind power contract: “Associated Industries of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts employer community are deeply disappointed that the attorney general has elected to reach a settlement with Cape Wind and National Grid that will leave consumers paying more than twice the current market rate for electricity. “The settlement circumvents what should have been an open and transparent review by . . .

  • Wind farm rate reduction negotiated

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:42:10
    The state attorney general has reached a deal with the developer of the proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm to reduce the cost of energy from the project. In May, Cape Wind Associates LLC reached an agreement with National Grid to sell half the power generated by the wind farm for 20.7 cents per kilowatt hour. Under the “agreement in principle” announced yesterday by Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, the cost of energy in the proposed 15-year contract would drop to . . .

  • Rosemount turbine won’t get much of a breeze

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:42:07
    UMore Park, the University of Minnesota’s sprawling research area in eastern Rosemount, doesn’t typically get much wind. That makes it the perfect place for the university’s new wind-turbine project. That’s because the goal of a turbine to be built there this year is not to feed the electrical grid, but to conduct research on ways to generate wind energy even when gales aren’t prevalent. “It’s very easy to put up wind turbines in very windy areas, but if we want . . .

  • Wind power plan on track: Keir

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:41:45
    FREDERICTON – Even as the province says it is making great strides in positioning New Brunswick as a leader in green power, a prominent environment group is criticizing its approach to wind technology. Energy Minister Jack Keir points to the fact that no wind turbines dotted New Brunswick’s landscape three years ago, but now the province is ranked fourth in Canada in its development of the alternative energy resource. “It’s a big part of our energy plan. We’ve gone from . . .

  • How much CO² has really been saved?

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:41:04
    Drew Ratter’s answer to my question (‘Answer to Billy Fox’s question’ 30th July) illustrates the wind generation industry’s inconsistency when it comes to calculating carbon payback. This is a science that is still being developed, and that is why there should currently be a moratorium on building on peat habitat. Drew’s links refer to the model produced by the Macaulay Institute and Aberdeen University; they do not necessarily reflect the views of Scottish Government, or Scottish Natural Heritage. That is . . .

  • Negative response to Largoward turbines survey

    Updated: 2010-07-31 12:40:29
    A survey carried out by Largoward and District Community Council has found that the majority of respondents are against the Largoward Windmills proposal to erect two wind turbines near the village. Three hundred questionnaires were handed out and the returns showed that 78 per cent of respondents were against the plans. And with less than 20 per cent in favour, the Community Council has now concluded that “based on those in the community that have shown interest or concern by . . .

  • Massachusetts lawmakers agree on wind energy permits bill

    Updated: 2010-07-30 17:46:02
    Massachusetts lawmakers have reached a compromise on a bill designed to streamline the permitting process for new wind energy facilities. Legislative leaders announced late Thursday that a conference panel had forged an agreement on legislation supporters say will help the state meet its renewable energy goals by making it easier for wind projects to secure state permits. The compromise bill calls on communities with significant wind areas to create a local board to approve wind projects. Following local approval, projects . . .

  • It’s prime time to clear the Saco skyline

    Updated: 2010-07-30 17:45:37
    Taxpayers are now taking the brunt of the City of Saco’s decision to “go green,” as one of the city’s wind turbines stands idle in wait of repairs. The large turbine prominently displayed at the transportation center, near the bridge between Biddeford and Saco, found its location due to politics, not science – a situation that always leads to negative results. In January 2007, the city installed its first wind turbine, a residential-sized model, at the wastewater treatment plant. The . . .

  • Toray wants commission to mull potential negatives of wind farm

    Updated: 2010-07-30 17:45:19
    WARWICK – The R.I. Economic Development Corporation said Thursday that its study of the economic impact of an offshore wind farm looked only at the positives. Asked by Toray Plastics (America) Inc. if the study factored in potential negative effects of the farm’s above-market electric rates, the EDC replied, simply, “No.” The EDC made the reply in filings with the R.I. Public Utilities Commission as the commission mulls approving a power-purchase agreement between National Grid and offshore wind farm developer . . .

  • Fury over four planned wind turbines near Gillingham

    Updated: 2010-07-30 17:45:02
    A new campaign has been launched against a proposal to build wind turbines near Gillingham. Two years ago 1,987 people wrote to the council to object to plans to put six 394ft (120m) high turbines in Silton. Developers Ecotricity have now revised the plans and propose four, which village group Save Our Silton (SOS) says will “ruin the landscape”. Ecotricty says Dorset is completely reliant on other counties for power and needs to establish its own. If built, the turbines . . .

  • Windfarm firm appeals over Westnewton turbines ruling

    Updated: 2010-07-30 17:42:29
    A firm behind plans for a windfarm at Westnewton which were rejected by councillors have lodged an appeal against the decision. The move comes after Allerdale council rejected Broadview Energy Limited’s proposals to build three turbines between Aspatria and Westnewton. Now the London-based developer has pledged to take the fight to Government planning inspectors – confirming objectors’ fears. The controversial plans sparked anger among villagers. Residents opposed the scheme, fearing it would blight the area and harm the Solway Coast . . .

  • Bleak outlook for US wind with installations in steep decline

    Updated: 2010-07-30 14:19:39
    Only 700MW of new wind capacity was added in the US during the second quarter, bringing the total for the first half of the year to 1.24GW, less than half of what was installed in the same period during 2008 and 2009, and marking the start of what could be a dire chapter for the industry. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) releases its second quarter market report (PDF) as the Senate takes up energy legislation this week. The industry . . .

  • Fire marshal shuts down public meeting on proposed wind turbines in Pontypool after 140 crowd into hall

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:43:14
    PONTYPOOL — It took just 25 minutes for the fire marshal to shut down a public information open house on two proposed wind parks Thursday night. When more than 140 people had crowded into the Pontypool Community Centre, the meeting was brought to an abrupt halt — a move that serves opponents of the Settlers Landing Wind Park and Snowy Ridge Wind Park since it means the first open house has technically not taken place and sets proponents’ Energy Farming . . .

  • Local zoning should shift wind farm direction

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:41:44
    In the opening scenes of “The Sopranos,” we weekly viewed the urban blight that is the New Jersey Turnpike — a landscape dominated by industrial smokestacks. At one time, each of these smokestacks represented a job, a future, for many American families. Now most are just reminders of the unkept promises of an uneven global economy. Decades later, they still overwhelm the visual landscape of this area of the country. For those who are not familiar with this scene, one . . .

  • Sound of surging jet engine isn’t easily gotten used to

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:41:20
    As an abutter to Falmouth’s wind turbine, I find it disturbing to be repeatedly told that “it isn’t so bad,” that I will “get used to” living next to the 400-foot monstrosity that sounds like a surging jet engine most of 24 hours each day. It is because of the wind industry and its use of so-called “experts” like Dr. Robert McCunney and the clean, green-energy mania that uninformed/misinformed enthusiasts are frantically pushing that we abutters have faced a very . . .

  • Local municipalities lose on wind farm siting

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:40:18
    Senate Bill 185, which calls for uniform siting standards for small wind farms, forces our towns to accept 300-foot-tall wind turbines. The decision no longer rests with us but with the Public Service Commission. “It signals to the world that Wisconsin is in the wind business, and that we intend to be one of the leading states in production of wind energy,” Gov. Jim Doyle said as he signed the bill last fall. No, governor – what it signals is . . .

  • Don’t sacrifice beauty for ill-conceived plan

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:39:48
    I speak with strangers every day. People who are unknown to me stop by my office, and I have meaningful conversations with them. We might discuss the weather or the price of gasoline — something innocuous to break the ice — but it usually takes only a moment before I am learning about their families, their histories, their hopes and dreams. Folks come to the western mountains of Maine because we offer something they can’t get elsewhere. The residents here . . .

  • Eagles risk understated – experts

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:39:42
    Experts say bird collision risk modelling for a proposed Yaloak South wind farm seriously underestimates the potential for eagle fatalities. Three experts, including one commissioned by DSE, have raised doubts about the 95 per cent avoidance rate used in a report written by environment consultancy firm Biosis for wind energy company Pacific Hydro’s Yaloak South application. The report written by Biosis Research consultant Ian Smales uses a 95 per cent avoidance rate which means that in one of every 20 . . .

  • Input sought on line routes; Developer sets meetings on four alternatives

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:37:42
    Galloo Island Wind Farm’s developer is asking for public comment again, this time on four possible routes for a transmission line. Upstate NY Power Corp. on Monday will begin a series of public information meetings in Jefferson and Oswego counties about the routes. Information with maps of the routes was sent to towns and villages where the line may run and is available on the developer’s website. As part of a detailed look at the four alternatives, “Upstate Power seeks . . .

  • Community council objects to mast plans

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:36:57
    A north-east community council has objected to plans to build a wind mast, fearing it could be the catalyst for a windfarm. An application has been submitted to Aberdeenshire Council for a temporary 130ft wind-speed monitoring mast on land to the north-west of Minew Farm House, Torphins. Members of Torphins Community Council raised concerns at a meeting earlier this month that the mast could lead to a windfarm on the hill behind Pitmurchie House. The group sent a letter of . . .

  • TransCanada to test legality of Cape Wind pact

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:36:18
    A Canadian power company is laying the groundwork for a major legal battle with the Bay State over what it’s calling a “tainted” process for signing renewable-energy contracts. Industry experts warn that TransCanada Power could soon challenge the constitutionality of National Grid’s controversial deal with Cape Wind Associates. The Canadian company is also calling into question recent deals signed by Nstar with three Western Massachusetts wind farms, according to a recent filing with the state. “They’re basically challenging the validity . . .

  • Wind transmission lines in the Hill Country

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:34:07
    The Lower Colorado River Authority on Wednesday suggested dozens of possible routes for a transmission line that would bear wind power from McCamey in West Texas to Gillespie County. Just as with a segment that went from Gillespie County to Lampasas, the power lines are sure to meet with opposition from property owners who want to see their Hill Country views preserved, as well as environmental groups that want to maintain open space. (The blue route in the map above . . .

  • PUC receives wind transmission line request

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:34:02
    Which way will they go? Cross Texas Transmission, a Pampa-based group designated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to help deliver wind resources across the state, on Wednesday filed a near 1,200-page request with the PUC for a preferred wind energy transmission line from Childress County to Briscoe County. The route runs from six miles southeast of Childress to four miles southwest of Silverton, a straight distance of about 73 miles, according to the Amarillo Globe-News. While the preferred . . .

  • Meadow Creek Wind Farm project delayed

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:32:23
    BONNEVILLE COUNTY – At one-o-clock this morning, after seven hours of the Meadow Creek Wind Farm project public hearing, Bonneville County Planning and Zoning board members decided to delay their approval of the project. More than 50 of you attended the hearing. Board members listened as residents voiced their concerns about 75 500-foot-high wind turbines, that would be built in their backyards. This is the second time Ridgeline Energy submitted their Meadow Creek Project to the county. Last time, it . . .

  • Hays Wind might have to file turbine permit again

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:31:04
    The definition of what constitutes a “minor change” in Hays Wind LLC’s original development plan will have Ellis County Joint Planning Commission members thinking for the next month. The commission discussed the issue at its monthly meeting Wednesday night, but decided that without proper legal counsel present and without more time to learn about the issue, a decision would wait until August. Zoning Administrator Dale Wing has asked the commission to consider if relocated turbines in Hays Wind’s proposed project . . .

  • Residents in spin about turbines

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:31:00
    Around 100 residents attended an emergency meeting to voice their opinions on Honda’s plans for three 120m wind turbines at their east Swindon site last night. Ad hoc protest group Ill Wind called upon residents in Stratton and South Marston to raise objections before the consultation period ends on August 13 at a meeting at the South Marston Hotel. Honda, in conjunction with green energy firm Ecotricity, are looking to follow several other buisness in using green energy to power . . .

  • Rotherham Council ‘could face huge bill’ over wind farm

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:30:56
    Campaigners battling plans for a giant wind farm in Rotherham’s green belt believe the town’s taxpayers could end up footing a huge bill for the project. The chairman of the Penny Hill Wind Farm Action Group, Mike Corden, believes that hundreds of households in Ulley, Aston and Brampton-en-le-Morthen could be within their rights to demand reductions in their council tax payments due to falling house prices—forcing rises for others in the town. Mr Corden said: “There is a precedent for . . .

  • County working on regulations for area wind projects

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:30:05
    The Carbon County Planning and Development office is working on standards to fine-tune wind development in the county. The Wyoming legislature recently passed legislation — that took effect July 1 — that allows counties to create standards for wind farms. “This state law really provides a lot more meat or detail in terms of what the county can look for,” said Sid Fox, Carbon County Planning and Development director. Fox said a conditional use permit has historically been required before . . .

  • Proposed underwater powerline would stretch from Searsport to Boston

    Updated: 2010-07-30 12:29:56
    As Congress struggles to craft some form of energy bill, the developer of a proposed underwater transmission line from Searsport to Boston is pressing the need for the New England Region to tap the full wind power potential of Northern Maine. The so-called Greenline project would include the installation of a 140 mile undersea cable carrying electricity from Maine down to the high demand markets to the south. New England, as a region, has pledged to meet a goal: that . . .

  • Health effects today: climate change, ozone hole, and biomass

    Updated: 2010-07-27 21:49:17
    Reading Ian McEwen’s excellent Solar, I ran across some numbers and checked them with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. From Working Group 2, chapter 8 (pdf, go to document to see sources) 8.2.10 Ultraviolet radiation and health Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure causes a range of health impacts. Globally, excessive solar UVR exposure has caused [...]

  • On Electricity Pricing

    Updated: 2010-07-16 15:26:28
    Our electricity generating plants are old. The coal and nuclear plants were built between the late 60’s and the 1980’s. Some of them need replacing, as the cost to keep them operating is becoming too high. So, what are our options to replace old plants? The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) provides [...]

  • On Birds

    Updated: 2010-07-07 01:03:25
    Wind turbines sometimes come under criticism for killing birds. While it is true that wind turbines kill some birds, the average turbine kills about 2 birds per year. This number needs to be kept in perspective. For ecologists, it isn’t the death of an individuals that matters – all living things will [...]

  • Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit – 10 Clean Technologies to Save Our World

    Updated: 2010-06-21 17:32:50
    This is the title of a new book by Tom Rand. I have heard of Tom Rand – he is involved with Clean Tech in Toronto, and has a profile in the clean energy space. So I though I would read his book. The book has 10 chapters each of which outlines the potential [...]

  • Natural gas instead of wind?

    Updated: 2010-06-03 03:36:06
    The President of Houston Spectra Energy, which owns Union Gas, was in the Toronto Star today. Greg Ebel is giving interviews and speeches extolling the virtues of natural gas, and questioning why the province is signing contracts to buy wind and solar energy, when new technology has given us “100 years worth of [...]

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