October 14, 2009
Mr. Scott Aubertine, Supervisor
Mr. Mike Countryman, Deputy Supervisor
Mr. Warren A. Johnson
Mr. James Madill
Mr. Norm Schreib
Re: Extension of Moratorium on Wind Turbine Development
Dear Council Members:
I recommend an extension of at least one year in the moratorium on wind turbine development. An extension is necessary since, as you know, we presently have no regulations in effect to govern the placement or the effects of constructing and operating these large industrial machines. The longer extension is desirable as the wind law that was originally developed by the Planning Board two years ago must be reviewed and updated. Since we first began a citizen’s group to investigate all aspects of wind power in May of 2007, residents of Lyme and similar groups in the surrounding area have learned much about all aspects of wind turbines: the economics of their operation, noise effects, effects on people and wildlife to name a few. Lyme’s wind law should be updated to take into account the most recent information available.
There is no proof that wind turbines, such as those proposed by BP for Lyme and Cape Vincent, actually result in lower usage of fossil fuels or greenhouse gas emissions. Several European countries, notably Denmark and Germany, have built many more wind turbines for their size than the US and their experience shows no improvement in the usage of fossil fuels or reduction of greenhouse gases. The reason for this is the inherently variable nature of wind which means that wind turbines cannot be counted as baseload generating capacity. In fact, the variability of wind is such that other powerplants must be kept spinning in the background to supply the grid whenever the wind speed drops. Once it is found, as is now understood in Europe, that these giant machines do not fulfill their intended purpose, will the machines continue to be supported by taxpayers and electrical ratepayers or will they simply be abandoned?
All electrical generating sources are quite capital intensive. Wind is the most capital intensive and duplicates rather than replaces already existing baseload generators. Wind, therefore, adds substantially to our cost to generate electricity. Since New York presently has one of the highest costs in the nation for its electrical power, the addition of wind power will make us less competitive with other states and reduce our likelihood of attracting real businesses to our locality.
Industrial wind turbines in close proximity to our residential areas will have a devastating effect on our property values and proportionately on the assessments that are the basis for property taxes. We need to make a careful study of the effects on our town. Unlike typical industrial development, that can be located in an area reserved for commercial use, wind turbine projects essentially convert the entire town to a factory. This exposes all residents to noise, view degradation and other deleterious effects.
Wind power would not exist but for the subsidies and tax breaks granted by the federal and state governments and the further kindness towards developers of PILOTs granted at the local level. I believe New York State should enact a statewide moratorium on wind development until the effects of this form of renewable energy can be thoroughly and dispassionately analyzed for its effects on the overall economic health of our community as well as the effects on the physical health of residents and the natural environment. In the meantime, Lyme should extend its own moratorium for at least a year. The wind will always be there, what’s the rush?
Sincerely,
Albert H. Bowers III
cc: Kim Wallace, Town Clerk
Watertown Daily Times, Nancy Madsen
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