In these exceptionally hard economic times we have an industry that is flourishing in Wisconsin. The wind turbine industry has in 2008 enjoyed exceptional growth by a factor of 9. Does this sound like an industry that is stalled out, restricted in any way, or one that needs help from Lawmakers in Madison? They want it all, but all has yet to be determined. A 9 fold increase is not enough. This industry is being driven by greed.
All Americans are suffering the consequences of the greed driven business practices of the banking industry and Wall Street. While Governments, businesses, and families, are experiencing major budget shortfalls the wind industry wants more, more from the taxpayers, more from the ratepayers. These greed driven business practices are sure to have a negative impact on the long term renewable energy goals in Wisconsin.
The unprecedented growth in installed wind capacity in 2008 indicates there is no need for and type of siting reform. Many communities are welcoming wind turbines with open arms. There is no need to force residents to live under turbines. Wind developers must continue to work with local Governments for approval of wind turbine projects.
A one size fits all rule developed by the PSC and wind developers will not adequately address the diverse land use in Wisconsin. Only local control of land use can protect the health and safety of residents, agricultural activity, and property rights. The PSC and wind developers asked for siting control last year. One year later the PSC has not brought anything to the table for review, instead they continue to ask for a blank check.
Any siting rules must be written and approved by elected officials, with input from professionals in noise, health, safety, agriculture, property rights, and property values. This new set of rules would then be given to the PSC to implement and police.
Are we really missing out on 3.5million in revenue for each turbine not built? That’s 3.5 million over 30 years not each year. Where would all this money come from? Do turbines print $100 bills as they rotate? No, all the money comes from the taxpayers and rate payers. Wind developers will take our tax and rate dollars tack on a health profit margin for themselves and the return a few dollars to landowners and local governments. Remember, the greed driven wind developers are here in Wisconsin to make money, not produce renewable energy.
Wisconsin is an agricultural state. Process vegetable business is a $750,000,000.00 industry that employs thousands of people. This industry will be put in serious jeopardy if growers are unable to apply pesticides in a timely manner with aerial application. Wisconsin’s grain crop does not rely as heavily on aerial application, but it can increase crop yields by as much as 30%. It was made clear at the hearing that not one pilot in Wisconsin will fly inside or within ½ mile downwind of a turbine facility.
This wind industry needs to slow down. A state wind moratorium should be put in place until all the negative impacts of wind turbines can be addressed and properly regulated.
This hysterical approach to wind development by advocate’s, and developers is going to harm Wisconsin’s citizens and our economy.
The Evansville Observer Archive: The unofficial history of Evansville, Wisconsin from 2005-2013: Thousands of Video and Audio and Articles; Free: To Search scroll to the Search this Blog line and enter name of person, topic, or issue. Then scroll up to see all articles. Or use Google Search by topic. Enjoy.
I remember one of the first "information" meetings Eco Energy had--it was at the Country Club, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. This is where, among other things, they pushed their "survey" that claimed overwhelming support for wind energy. In time, like with virtually ALL of the other so-called 'facts' they wanted us to take at face value, the survey's veracity was shown to be suspect--at best; fraudulant at worst. Besides that, I remember several times Eco saying how much they only wanted to be here if they could work with the community. Well, after more research than the PSC/State EVER did, it was made clear to Eco that THEY weren't wanted HERE, the way THEY wanted to do things, because it was simply unsafe. Instead of accepting that (in addition to virtuall ALL of the science that debunked virtually ALL of their alleged facts), and moving onto places where there was actually enough wind for their turbines to work, they decided to go to the legislature--in particular, Sen. Plale, to try to FORCE these on us. Only a true groundswell of public outcry will keep this from happening. Write to as many legislators as you can. And, while you are writing, send a letter to the landowners who want to deal with Eco, for THEIR benefit, and to the detriment of those nearby. Tell them that in this area, neighbors don't do that to other neighbors.
ReplyDeleteHello, This is fantastic. I read an article the other day about a guy in Hart Michigan. His home remodeling business was falling off. So, he became a dealer for WindEnergy7.com and began installing and selling home wind systems. I was reading that these systems they are putting in are far more efficient and cheaper than these vertical ones. The WindEnergy7 systems use solar AND wind in a wind/solar hybrid. They are cheaper and make power even when there's no wind at all. Here's a link to the article about Michigan Wind Power Jobs This is great, this is how we can re-shape our economy and get people in Michigan back to work here. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThe problem with this subject is exemplified in the second comment. I'm sure their are many great residential renewable systems that homeowners can look into, but people confuse the large 425 ft turbines with the 125 ft monopole wind generators. This is like comparing Shaq to Gary Coleman.
ReplyDeleteThe issue at hand is not if you support wind energy. The question is, do you feel safe giving full control to the Public Service Commission to determine large wind turbine siting across the state? Based on their recent past, I adamantly say NO!
I attended and spoke at the public hearing on 5-12-09 regarding AB256 and SB185, which essentially would give the PSC carte blanche in regards to siting large wind turbines, and override current local control. I sat and listened for over 8 hours to a lot of Wisconsin citizens whose lives have been virtually ruined because of poor turbine siting.
I am trying to be proactive and stop the City of Evansville and WPPI from bastardizing the town of Union. I am also trying to prevent any other Wisconsin resident from having to endure the short end because some company somewhere in the world can profit. The time is now. This issue is at a crossroads in Wisconsin, and hopefully it takes the right path.