Got Wind ?
Last Thursday the Gaines Town Board got it right. They took an important step towards preventing the installation of industrial wind turbines in my town. The citizens of Gaines spoke and the Town Board listened. By all accounts, the process has been open and honest, and the result is a government body that has provided an example of how government for the people should work. They tackled the issue early and put together an effective advisory board that the government actually listened to.
The board effectively dealt with the delicate balance between what is best for society and what is best for the local community. Wind energy may be feasible someday- and it may benefit some communities now- but when one takes into consideration the amount of land needed to produce wind energy, it just does not make sense. If you do not believe in industries ability to make things smaller, keep in mind that the first computer, built in 1943, cost $500,000 and weighed 30 tons. Imagine trying to lug that beast into a coffee shop.
The problem with wind technology is that it has been, relatively speaking, rushed out of the research and development phase and into the hands of corporate giants looking for some fast federal dollars. Let's face it, Environmentalists do not run these companies; they are for profit entities that are not in this thing for the long haul.
I object to industrial wind turbines primarily on aesthetics; the huge windmills are an eyesore. They ruin a serene landscape. I would much rather see rows of corn or wheat waving in the breeze than gigantic white turbines. I think it is unfair for rural communities to give up the visual appeal of their communities to run lights in the middle of an urban center.
Proponents of wind energy still have not satisfactorily addressed the health concerns associated with low-level noise and flicker. If health problems arise, like an increase in seizures or hearing loss, then the town governments that allowed wind turbines will likely be held liable.
There are better and less intrusive ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Changing to efficient light bulbs and turning off lights when not in a room, going paperless, and car-pooling can have an immediate impact while engineers look for more efficient ways to generate power.
Of course, Gaines's commitment to their citizens is wonderful, but I am concerned that industrial wind turbines may find their way into Orleans County in spite of the efforts of a strong local coalition. I base my fear on the fact that the Orleans County Government is looking for a way to fund their jail project. What better way to fund a project than by striking a deal with a giant wind energy company. It is certainly not out of the realm of possibilities considering the fact that LaBella and Associates, the consultant for the Orleans County Jail project, also has done extensive work on wind farm projects.
No matter how much wind the county legislature generates, Gaines will not gain from windmills.
The board effectively dealt with the delicate balance between what is best for society and what is best for the local community. Wind energy may be feasible someday- and it may benefit some communities now- but when one takes into consideration the amount of land needed to produce wind energy, it just does not make sense. If you do not believe in industries ability to make things smaller, keep in mind that the first computer, built in 1943, cost $500,000 and weighed 30 tons. Imagine trying to lug that beast into a coffee shop.
The problem with wind technology is that it has been, relatively speaking, rushed out of the research and development phase and into the hands of corporate giants looking for some fast federal dollars. Let's face it, Environmentalists do not run these companies; they are for profit entities that are not in this thing for the long haul.
I object to industrial wind turbines primarily on aesthetics; the huge windmills are an eyesore. They ruin a serene landscape. I would much rather see rows of corn or wheat waving in the breeze than gigantic white turbines. I think it is unfair for rural communities to give up the visual appeal of their communities to run lights in the middle of an urban center.
Proponents of wind energy still have not satisfactorily addressed the health concerns associated with low-level noise and flicker. If health problems arise, like an increase in seizures or hearing loss, then the town governments that allowed wind turbines will likely be held liable.
There are better and less intrusive ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Changing to efficient light bulbs and turning off lights when not in a room, going paperless, and car-pooling can have an immediate impact while engineers look for more efficient ways to generate power.
Of course, Gaines's commitment to their citizens is wonderful, but I am concerned that industrial wind turbines may find their way into Orleans County in spite of the efforts of a strong local coalition. I base my fear on the fact that the Orleans County Government is looking for a way to fund their jail project. What better way to fund a project than by striking a deal with a giant wind energy company. It is certainly not out of the realm of possibilities considering the fact that LaBella and Associates, the consultant for the Orleans County Jail project, also has done extensive work on wind farm projects.
No matter how much wind the county legislature generates, Gaines will not gain from windmills.
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