NYS Citizens' Wind Energy Questions for NYSERDA

NYSERDA_Questions.pdf

— Contents —
Table of Contents page 2
Brief History page 3-4
Introductory Observations page 5
A. Some POLICY Questions (10) page 6-7
B. Some RPS Questions (3) page 8-10
C. Some GENERAL Questions (8) page 11-12
D. Some TECHNICAL Questions (9) page 13-14
E. Some FINANCIAL Questions (21) page 15-17
F. Some ENVIRONMENTAL Questions (13) page 18-20
Summary page 21
Some Signatures page 22
Some Citizen Groups page 23
Cover Letter to Mark Watson (NYSERDA) page 24-25

SUMMARY —

Since a lot of ground has been covered in this document, we need to recap what was stated in the beginning. The quantity and scope of the questions listed here should send two unequivocal messages:

1 - wind power is not a NIMBY issue to most NYS citizens, and
2 - how seriously deficient NYSERDA’s site and support materials are concerning wind energy information.

We are for Sound Scientific Solutions (i.e. not political schemes) to the energy economic and environmental issues facing our state today.

We support all options (including renewables) that have been proven to be scientifically sound solutions.

We favor the state and NYSERDA taking appropriate measures that support scientifically sound solutions.

We insist that the health and welfare of the citizens in NYS take precedence over the economic benefits of any business, or the political agenda (no matter how well-intentioned) of any organization.

We expect that NYSERDA employ scientific methodology in assessing the alternative electrical energy options presented by businesses, investors, and other opportunists.

We expect that the main areas of this assessment be the technical, economic and environmental soundness of the proposed source.

We expect that the assessment and the results be fully transparent.

All this amounts to the fact that we expect our elected and appointed representatives to be acting in the best interests of all the citizens of NYS, and in a professional, objective, comprehensive, and open-minded manner.

Since very little of this has yet to happen in the area of wind energy, we request that NYSERDA take a public position that a one year moratorium on wind developments in NYS is necessary.

[Interestingly this same request was made (but ignored) three years ago http://tinyurl.com/2wdhd6. Consider how much further along we would be on the path to genuine energy progress had the state heeded that proposal.]

A moratorium will give NYSERDA the time to do a comprehensive, objective, and independent assessment of the viability of wind energy as a meaningful solution to the significant energy issues facing the citizens of New York State.