Saturday, May 24, 2008

Town of Prattsburgh May 23, 2008 Letter by Sue Sliwinski

Dear Prattsburgh decision-makers,

The use of eminent domain in NY has historically been reserved solely for the purpose of serving the public good. ANY commercial wind farm in the U.S. today is owned by private developers for their own gain, and ANY wind 'farm' today in the U.S. also increases costs for the average citizen. That is NOT good for the public.

Take the case of oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens. He wants to construct the "largest wind farm ever built" in Texas. According to Reuters, Pickens expects to turn at least a 25 per cent profit on his $10 billion investment. And he probably will, but only at the expense of millions of taxpayers and electric customers. He's not betting on the wind. He's betting that wind will continue to require subsidies to be viable, and that Congress will enact a long-term extension of the Production Tax Credit, which alone will reduce his tax liability by more than $2.45 billion over the next 10 years. Add to that the other four federal and state incentives for wind power development in Texas, and it's clear there's little risk for Pickens, who is already working out deals to obtain the nearly 600 easements needed for the massive project. If he has trouble obtaining them, do you think he should be allowed to use eminent domain? The answer is, of course not!!

So what is the difference between "Windfarm Prattsburgh" and T. Boone Pickens? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Eminent domain is completely inappropriate, just like the project itself. Prattsburgh is a COMMUNITY where people have made their homes and invested life-savings and built equity based on the area's character, it's peace and natural surroundings, and existing laws that are supposed to protect them from industrial developments like commercial wind power factories.

It's only a matter of time before every citizen understands the folly of wind power. Yes, on a small residential scale, it could benefit mankind, if enough of it were employed. But on a grand-scale level, the technology is flawed, and the rusting, impractical giant hulks will be the lasting legacy of those who allowed them to proliferate. Is that what you want to leave for your children and grandchildren to remember you by? Your ineptness and your naivety? If you're fortunate enough that they forget, all they'll have to do is look towards the hills to be reminded once again. Don't do this to yourselves, the community, and to future generations. Accept that you made a mistake, and make it right.

Sue Sliwinski
National Wind Watch, Inc.
Sardinia NY Chapter

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