BP Plc, Europe's second-largest oil company, will end its planned wind power projects in India, China and Turkey to focus on onshore generation in the U.S.
BP plans to have 1 gigawatt of wind power generating capacity in the U.S. by the end of the year, which will rise to 3 gigawatts ``in the next couple of years,'' said the company spokesman Robert Wine. Together with Clipper Windpower Plc, it plans to invest as much as $15 billion to build the world's biggest wind farm in the U.S.
``We will be retrenching those projects and all the money now will be going to the huge U.S. onshore development,'' Wine, said by phone today. ``This is a serious scale investment, that's going to be the only focus in the future.''
BP is following the same strategy as its European larger rival, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, by focusing on U.S. wind projects. Shell in May sold its 33 percent stake in the London Array project, a 1,000-megawatt wind park off the English coast, citing rising costs. The U.S. offers access to land such as the Texan plains, where developers can build plants with less objections from local communities than in Europe.
In February, BP said it planned to invest about $1.5 billion in alternative-energy projects this year, accelerating a 10-year business development program.
Earlier this year, BP valued its alternative-energy business at $5 billion to $7 billion. In 2005, it agreed to spend $8 billion by 2015 to expand production of solar, wind and biofuel energy.
Joint Venture
BP and Clipper agreed in July to form a joint venture to construct the 5,050-megawatt Titan wind park on 200,000 hectares (500,000 acres) in South Dakota. The park starts near Harrold and ends 83 kilometers (53 miles) east near Wessington. The project will take about 10 years to complete, according to Fred Mitro, a manager at BP Alternative Energy.
BP has ended its partnership with China's Goldwind Science & Technology Co, which aimed to build a wind power project in China's northern province of Inner Mongolia. On Nov. 4, the U.K. company notified Goldwin's unit about the changes to BP's strategies in wind power development, the Chinese company said today in a statement posted on its Web site.
In January, BP signed an agreement to purchase a 49 percent stake in Goldwind's unit, Beijing Tianrun New Energy Investment Co., to jointly build the wind farm. The two companies had agreed to transfer the stake after the planned completion of the project in February next year.
New Investors
Goldwind is seeking new investors in the project now, it said today.
In December, BP said it planned to expand wind power projects in India, the world's fourth-largest wind power producer after Germany, the U.S. and Spain.
BP and Suzlon Energy Ltd., India's biggest maker of wind- turbine generators, last November started operations at a 40- megawatt farm in Dhule, northern Maharashtra. BP was examining plans to install more turbines in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
BP and Electricite de France SA, Europe's biggest power supplier, had previously planned to buy stakes in Turkish companies that won government licenses to set up wind farms, Hurriyet reported July 29, citing no one. BP was interested in acquiring stakes in seven projects with a capacity of 246 megawatts, the newspaper reported.
``We are working on with the various partnerships that we've formed around the world how best to exit from those'' projects, Wine said. ``Anything that was built will remain.''
BP will keep its 22.5 megawatt wind farm at the Rotterdam refinery and a 9-megawatt unit at its terminal in the port of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, he said.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Wind turbine supporters are ignoring the facts on hazards
Over the last couple of years, concerned citizens all around Jefferson County have sponsored informational sessions on wind turbine issues. These sessions have brought out the facts and the health hazards of placing wind turbines where people live. These sessions have also covered environmental issues, property values and the cost that the taxpayers will have to bear in the placement of these 400-foot structures. The Voters for Wind group that has attended these sessions still seems to refuse to acknowledge the pure facts from around the world that are available on hazards that wind turbines have on people.
On the American Wind Energy Associations (AWEA) Web site, they refer to turbine noise 700 to 1,000 feet from your house as equal to that of a refrigerator. You just have to go to CLICK HERE and search wind turbines and you can hear for yourself what the AWEA's take on what a refrigerator sounds like.
It is unfortunate that lies become reality when money overtakes your ability to think straight. Our citizens need to be protected from the health hazards of industrial wind power. There is a place for these turbines and it is not where people live.
The facts are there and the facts are being stepped over to pick up money our Congress has made available for renewable energy. This is your money, and this is just another giveaway program for an inefficient source of energy. We need to channel our tax dollars into the development of real fuel-cell technology for cars and trucks.
Other countries, like Japan, are developing fuel-cell home-heating units, while we still burn oil, natural gas and wood. This waste of our tax money must stop. This is America. We are supposed to lead the way.
Diane Rutigliano
Three Mile Bay
On the American Wind Energy Associations (AWEA) Web site, they refer to turbine noise 700 to 1,000 feet from your house as equal to that of a refrigerator. You just have to go to CLICK HERE and search wind turbines and you can hear for yourself what the AWEA's take on what a refrigerator sounds like.
It is unfortunate that lies become reality when money overtakes your ability to think straight. Our citizens need to be protected from the health hazards of industrial wind power. There is a place for these turbines and it is not where people live.
The facts are there and the facts are being stepped over to pick up money our Congress has made available for renewable energy. This is your money, and this is just another giveaway program for an inefficient source of energy. We need to channel our tax dollars into the development of real fuel-cell technology for cars and trucks.
Other countries, like Japan, are developing fuel-cell home-heating units, while we still burn oil, natural gas and wood. This waste of our tax money must stop. This is America. We are supposed to lead the way.
Diane Rutigliano
Three Mile Bay
Neighbors at odds over noise, nuisance of wind turbines
BROWNSVILLE — Not long after the wind turbines began to spin in March near Gerry Meyer’s home, his son Robert, 13, and wife, Cheryl, complained of headaches.
They have trouble sleeping, and Cheryl Meyer, 55, sometimes feels a fluttering in her chest. Gerry is sometimes nauseated and hears crackling.
The culprit, they say, is the whooshing sound from the five industrial wind turbines near the 6-acre spread where they have lived for 37 years.
“I don’t think anyone should have to put up with this,” says Gerry Meyer, who compares the sound to a helicopter or a jet taking off.
As more turbines are built, the noise they create is stirring debate. Industry groups such as the American Wind Energy Association say there’s no proof they make people sick, but complaints of nausea, insomnia and other problems have surfaced near wind farms across the nation.
Nina Pierpont, a pediatrician in Malone, N.Y., calls the ailments Wind Turbine Syndrome and is writing a book on them. In the preface, which she shared with USA TODAY, she says the syndrome “is an industrial plague. It is man-made and easily fixed. Proper setbacks are the best cure.”
(Click to read entire article)
They have trouble sleeping, and Cheryl Meyer, 55, sometimes feels a fluttering in her chest. Gerry is sometimes nauseated and hears crackling.
The culprit, they say, is the whooshing sound from the five industrial wind turbines near the 6-acre spread where they have lived for 37 years.
“I don’t think anyone should have to put up with this,” says Gerry Meyer, who compares the sound to a helicopter or a jet taking off.
As more turbines are built, the noise they create is stirring debate. Industry groups such as the American Wind Energy Association say there’s no proof they make people sick, but complaints of nausea, insomnia and other problems have surfaced near wind farms across the nation.
Nina Pierpont, a pediatrician in Malone, N.Y., calls the ailments Wind Turbine Syndrome and is writing a book on them. In the preface, which she shared with USA TODAY, she says the syndrome “is an industrial plague. It is man-made and easily fixed. Proper setbacks are the best cure.”
(Click to read entire article)
Monday, November 03, 2008
Wind turbine blade crashes down in corn field
An India-based company that made a wind turbine that broke and dropped a 6.5-ton blade into an Illinois corn field this week says it is fixing blades on more than 400 turbines – most of them in the U.S. – that could have similar problems.
Suzlon Energy Limited says its fiberglass-coated turbine blades can develop cracks because of a design flaw, something the company says it can fix by adding more fiberglass.
Suzlon said in March that it expected to spend $25 million on the project, but didn’t say how long it would take.
The turbine that lost a blade in Wyanet, Ill., about 55 miles north of Peoria, was set to be worked on next week, said Richard Schertz; he lives on and farms the property where that turbine and three others – also due to be worked on – stand.
“I didn’t even know what had happened,” Schertz said on Friday. “I stepped out the door here at the house and heard a terrific noise. I couldn’t figure out what it was – ‘Crash! bang!”’
The blade, which the company says is about 140 feet long, flew at least 150 feet away from the turbine and landed in the corn field, Schertz said. No one was hurt and nothing was damaged.
The turbines are owned by a company called AgriWind, said a spokeswoman for Suzlon Energy’s Chicago subsidiary, Suzlon Wind Energy Corp. A phone listing for that AgriWind could not be located.
Suzlon Energy says the Illinois accident is the second involving one of its turbines in the past year. Similarly, a blade on a turbine in Minnesota broke loose. No one was injured and nothing was damaged in that incident, either, the company said.
(Click to read entire article)
Suzlon Energy Limited says its fiberglass-coated turbine blades can develop cracks because of a design flaw, something the company says it can fix by adding more fiberglass.
Suzlon said in March that it expected to spend $25 million on the project, but didn’t say how long it would take.
The turbine that lost a blade in Wyanet, Ill., about 55 miles north of Peoria, was set to be worked on next week, said Richard Schertz; he lives on and farms the property where that turbine and three others – also due to be worked on – stand.
“I didn’t even know what had happened,” Schertz said on Friday. “I stepped out the door here at the house and heard a terrific noise. I couldn’t figure out what it was – ‘Crash! bang!”’
The blade, which the company says is about 140 feet long, flew at least 150 feet away from the turbine and landed in the corn field, Schertz said. No one was hurt and nothing was damaged.
The turbines are owned by a company called AgriWind, said a spokeswoman for Suzlon Energy’s Chicago subsidiary, Suzlon Wind Energy Corp. A phone listing for that AgriWind could not be located.
Suzlon Energy says the Illinois accident is the second involving one of its turbines in the past year. Similarly, a blade on a turbine in Minnesota broke loose. No one was injured and nothing was damaged in that incident, either, the company said.
(Click to read entire article)
Wind ethics code created
ALBANY — In the wake of numerous complaints over potentially unethical activity, the state attorney general has created a voluntary Wind Industry Ethics Code for wind power developers and municipal officials.
In a Thursday press conference at the state Capitol, Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo called the code an "institutional resolution" to investigations into the activities of two wind developers alleged to have engaged in improper dealings with local officials and anticompetitive practices.
TWO COMPANIES SIGN ON
"This is going to be an ongoing policy issue," Mr. Cuomo said. "We're doing the right thing for these companies and New York. We want to see these companies succeed."
So far, only two wind power companies have agreed to abide by the code — Noble Environmental Power LLC of Essex, Conn., and First Wind of Newton, Mass. In July, Mr. Cuomo launched investigations of both companies after numerous allegations of improper conduct in developing their dealings with municipal governments in Northern and Western New York.
Other developers have yet to sign on.
James H. Madden, project manager for BP Alternative Energy's wind farm at Cape Vincent, said he hadn't seen or heard about the code and BP would have to review it before signing on.
"I would expect that we would be deposed to sign it," he said. "We support standards for the entire industry."
PROVISIONS OUTLINED
Spokesmen for Iberdrola, developer of Maple Ridge and Horse Creek wind farms, Acciona, developer of the St. Lawrence Wind Farm, and Babcock & Brown, the company behind the proposed Galloo Island project, did not return calls for comment by Thursday evening.
Provisions of the Wind Industry Ethics Code include:
■ Wind companies may not hire municipal employees or their relatives, nor give gifts of more than $10 during a one-year period, or give any other compensation contingent upon action before a municipal government or board.
■ Wind companies may not solicit or use confidential information from municipal officials.
■ Wind companies must maintain a Web site to disclose the names of municipal officials and family members who have a financial stake in wind projects. Such information also must be submitted to local municipal clerks and published in local newspapers.
■ Wind easements and leases must be filed with the appropriate county clerk.
■ Wind companies must train their employees to identify and prevent conflicts of interest with local officials.
The code will be enforced by a task force. A first violation is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000; subsequent violations draw fines of up to $100,000. Among the seven-member task force are Derek P. Champagne, Franklin County district attorney, and Gerald Stout, district attorney for Wyoming County.
"Over the past year, Franklin County has been an example of extremes," Mr. Champagne said, noting the conflicts and controversy surrounding the wind projects there. "I think this will ensure that energy isn't obtained through back-door dealings."
Mr. Stout noted that the rapid pace of growth in energy technology makes it tough for local officials to keep up.
"This is an educational process for local officials so they can avoid the appearance of conflicts and actual conflicts," he said. "From now on there will be transparency in regulations involving wind farms in Wyoming County."
Both county district attorneys said they have turned their wind power investigations over to Mr. Cuomo's office where, a spokesman said, they are continuing.
Proposed north country wind farms have emerged as an issue in the campaign for the 48th state Senate District seat. Republican candidate David A. Renzi of Watertown, in a statement issued late Thursday, called on his opponent, Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, to release details of a contract with Acciona.
"We need to hold our government leaders to a higher ethical standard," Mr. Renzi said. "That's why I am urging my opponent today, in the spirit of this new code of ethics, to release the full details of his secret wind energy contracts, so that voters and local residents can judge for themselves if he has acted appropriately and in compliance with the law in his dealings with these companies."
A spokesman for Mr. Aubertine's campaign said Mr. Renzi was attempting to deflect attention from alleged miscues on his part.
"Mr. Renzi knows full well that this has nothing to do with Darrel, and he is just trying to distract attention from his problems with the comptroller and attorney general," said Cort M. Ruddy, Mr. Aubertine's campaign coordinator.
Mr. Aubertine said he has always been transparent.
"I support the attorney general in this effort," he said. "I have always been forthright and open about my family's decision to sell our wind development rights in Cape Vincent — as this paper has reported — and I believe municipal government officials should be forthright as well."
Noble is developing nine wind farms in Northern and Western New York. Its north country projects include farms at Bellmont and Chateaugay in Franklin County, and at Altona, Clinton and Ellenburg in Clinton County.
First Wind has several projects in New York in various developmental stages, and the company's Steel Winds I wind farm in Lackawanna already is operational.
In a Thursday press conference at the state Capitol, Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo called the code an "institutional resolution" to investigations into the activities of two wind developers alleged to have engaged in improper dealings with local officials and anticompetitive practices.
TWO COMPANIES SIGN ON
"This is going to be an ongoing policy issue," Mr. Cuomo said. "We're doing the right thing for these companies and New York. We want to see these companies succeed."
So far, only two wind power companies have agreed to abide by the code — Noble Environmental Power LLC of Essex, Conn., and First Wind of Newton, Mass. In July, Mr. Cuomo launched investigations of both companies after numerous allegations of improper conduct in developing their dealings with municipal governments in Northern and Western New York.
Other developers have yet to sign on.
James H. Madden, project manager for BP Alternative Energy's wind farm at Cape Vincent, said he hadn't seen or heard about the code and BP would have to review it before signing on.
"I would expect that we would be deposed to sign it," he said. "We support standards for the entire industry."
PROVISIONS OUTLINED
Spokesmen for Iberdrola, developer of Maple Ridge and Horse Creek wind farms, Acciona, developer of the St. Lawrence Wind Farm, and Babcock & Brown, the company behind the proposed Galloo Island project, did not return calls for comment by Thursday evening.
Provisions of the Wind Industry Ethics Code include:
■ Wind companies may not hire municipal employees or their relatives, nor give gifts of more than $10 during a one-year period, or give any other compensation contingent upon action before a municipal government or board.
■ Wind companies may not solicit or use confidential information from municipal officials.
■ Wind companies must maintain a Web site to disclose the names of municipal officials and family members who have a financial stake in wind projects. Such information also must be submitted to local municipal clerks and published in local newspapers.
■ Wind easements and leases must be filed with the appropriate county clerk.
■ Wind companies must train their employees to identify and prevent conflicts of interest with local officials.
The code will be enforced by a task force. A first violation is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000; subsequent violations draw fines of up to $100,000. Among the seven-member task force are Derek P. Champagne, Franklin County district attorney, and Gerald Stout, district attorney for Wyoming County.
"Over the past year, Franklin County has been an example of extremes," Mr. Champagne said, noting the conflicts and controversy surrounding the wind projects there. "I think this will ensure that energy isn't obtained through back-door dealings."
Mr. Stout noted that the rapid pace of growth in energy technology makes it tough for local officials to keep up.
"This is an educational process for local officials so they can avoid the appearance of conflicts and actual conflicts," he said. "From now on there will be transparency in regulations involving wind farms in Wyoming County."
Both county district attorneys said they have turned their wind power investigations over to Mr. Cuomo's office where, a spokesman said, they are continuing.
Proposed north country wind farms have emerged as an issue in the campaign for the 48th state Senate District seat. Republican candidate David A. Renzi of Watertown, in a statement issued late Thursday, called on his opponent, Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, to release details of a contract with Acciona.
"We need to hold our government leaders to a higher ethical standard," Mr. Renzi said. "That's why I am urging my opponent today, in the spirit of this new code of ethics, to release the full details of his secret wind energy contracts, so that voters and local residents can judge for themselves if he has acted appropriately and in compliance with the law in his dealings with these companies."
A spokesman for Mr. Aubertine's campaign said Mr. Renzi was attempting to deflect attention from alleged miscues on his part.
"Mr. Renzi knows full well that this has nothing to do with Darrel, and he is just trying to distract attention from his problems with the comptroller and attorney general," said Cort M. Ruddy, Mr. Aubertine's campaign coordinator.
Mr. Aubertine said he has always been transparent.
"I support the attorney general in this effort," he said. "I have always been forthright and open about my family's decision to sell our wind development rights in Cape Vincent — as this paper has reported — and I believe municipal government officials should be forthright as well."
Noble is developing nine wind farms in Northern and Western New York. Its north country projects include farms at Bellmont and Chateaugay in Franklin County, and at Altona, Clinton and Ellenburg in Clinton County.
First Wind has several projects in New York in various developmental stages, and the company's Steel Winds I wind farm in Lackawanna already is operational.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Panel seeking specifics on noise
CAPE VINCENT — Members of the committee formed to produce a zoning amendment to deal with wind farms want specifics.
During a meeting Thursday afternoon, the committee agreed to ask the acoustical engineering firm Cavanaugh Tocci Associates, Sudbury, Mass., to evaluate the noise-measuring methods in different laws. That firm panned Hessler Associates' ambient noise study in BP Alternative Energy's draft environmental impact statement for the Cape Vincent Wind Farm.
"My request would be that these documents should be sent to Cavanaugh and Tocci for their review," said Richard Macsherry, Tibbetts Point. The documents included the current draft of the Cape Vincent zoning law, a law written for the Association of Towns and rules for noise studies written by Clifford P. Schneider.
"I think if we knew ambient and could come up with an average, that would give us something to work with," said Beth A. White, president of Voters for Wind.
"You've got to have some process for everyone to follow," Mr. Macsherry said.
Kris D. Dimmick, vice president at Bernier, Carr & Associates, Watertown, said wind developers should all measure sound against the same ambient noise level, not take new measurements for ambient noise after a wind farm is constructed.
"Future farms have to use the first ambient noise levels as a baseline," he said. "That makes sure everyone uses the same starting level so you don't get cumulative effects."
He also suggested including in the law a certain number of times a turbine could "fail" the noise test without being shut down. The zoning law would outlaw turbines exceeding six decibels above ambient noise at the property lines bordering nonparticipating residents.
"We may want to allow exceedance beyond six decibels a certain number of times," he said. "Just to let everyone know this is the real world. That number of occurrences would have to be decided."
The committee asked Mr. Dimmick to compile information on turbine failures and how far ice or blades have been thrown.
"I hope the setbacks we have are going to be safe," Mr. Macsherry said. "The town certainly is trying to do the right thing."
The closest setback in the proposed amendment is from public roads, which is the greater of 500 feet or 11/2 times the height of the turbine.
Mr. Rienbeck said he thought the proposed law a few years ago had setbacks of 750 feet from county roads and 1,000 feet from state roads.
"If you have some problem, it's going to probably be under stiff wind conditions," Mr. Dimmick said. "We'll see if we can find from public record the turbines that have failed."
Before the next meeting, the committee also will review changes made by Michael J. Bourcy, community development coordinator for Jefferson County.
Mr. Macsherry said, "Through all this process, we haven't made the developer offer anything on how to address failure incidents. I'd like to hear what he has to say on how often and how much they're going to fail."
The next meeting of the committee will be at 4 p.m. Nov. 20.
During a meeting Thursday afternoon, the committee agreed to ask the acoustical engineering firm Cavanaugh Tocci Associates, Sudbury, Mass., to evaluate the noise-measuring methods in different laws. That firm panned Hessler Associates' ambient noise study in BP Alternative Energy's draft environmental impact statement for the Cape Vincent Wind Farm.
"My request would be that these documents should be sent to Cavanaugh and Tocci for their review," said Richard Macsherry, Tibbetts Point. The documents included the current draft of the Cape Vincent zoning law, a law written for the Association of Towns and rules for noise studies written by Clifford P. Schneider.
"I think if we knew ambient and could come up with an average, that would give us something to work with," said Beth A. White, president of Voters for Wind.
"You've got to have some process for everyone to follow," Mr. Macsherry said.
Kris D. Dimmick, vice president at Bernier, Carr & Associates, Watertown, said wind developers should all measure sound against the same ambient noise level, not take new measurements for ambient noise after a wind farm is constructed.
"Future farms have to use the first ambient noise levels as a baseline," he said. "That makes sure everyone uses the same starting level so you don't get cumulative effects."
He also suggested including in the law a certain number of times a turbine could "fail" the noise test without being shut down. The zoning law would outlaw turbines exceeding six decibels above ambient noise at the property lines bordering nonparticipating residents.
"We may want to allow exceedance beyond six decibels a certain number of times," he said. "Just to let everyone know this is the real world. That number of occurrences would have to be decided."
The committee asked Mr. Dimmick to compile information on turbine failures and how far ice or blades have been thrown.
"I hope the setbacks we have are going to be safe," Mr. Macsherry said. "The town certainly is trying to do the right thing."
The closest setback in the proposed amendment is from public roads, which is the greater of 500 feet or 11/2 times the height of the turbine.
Mr. Rienbeck said he thought the proposed law a few years ago had setbacks of 750 feet from county roads and 1,000 feet from state roads.
"If you have some problem, it's going to probably be under stiff wind conditions," Mr. Dimmick said. "We'll see if we can find from public record the turbines that have failed."
Before the next meeting, the committee also will review changes made by Michael J. Bourcy, community development coordinator for Jefferson County.
Mr. Macsherry said, "Through all this process, we haven't made the developer offer anything on how to address failure incidents. I'd like to hear what he has to say on how often and how much they're going to fail."
The next meeting of the committee will be at 4 p.m. Nov. 20.
Wind ethics - Guidelines bring needed transparency
State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo has taken the lead at the state level to bring some oversight to the proliferating proposals for wind power developments across the state.
Mr. Cuomo has drafted what is now a voluntary set of ethical guidelines for wind power companies and municipal officials in the wake of a corruption investigation in Franklin County, where wind companies are alleged to have improperly influenced local officials to get permission to build wind towers. Many times, as seen here in Jefferson County, local officials making decisions with long-term consequences reaching beyond their borders face conflicts of interest with leases to allow turbines on their property or that of their families.
Secrecy surrounding lease options only fuels the mistrust and suspicion about officials' motives and actions.
Mr. Cuomo's Wind Industry Ethics Code would eliminate some of that. It would bar wind companies from hiring municipal officials or their relatives. Firms could not give gifts of more than $10 during a one-year period or any other compensation contingent upon government action.
Wind companies cannot solicit or use confidential information from municipal officials.
Those provisions would reduce possible fraud or corruption, but what makes the code effective are the disclosure requirements. The names of municipal officials and family members who have a stake in wind projects would be listed on a Web site maintained by the wind company. The names would also be provided to municipal clerks and published in local newspapers. Wind easements and leases also must be filed with the county clerk.
People will not have to wonder whether an elected official is secretly planning to benefit from a lease. The agreements will be public record.
A first-time code violation can draw a fine of up to $50,000 and double for additional ones.
For now, the only two companies agreeing to the code are those targeted in Mr. Cuomo's investigation: Noble Environmental Power LLC of Essex, Conn., and First Wind of Newton, Mass.
For transparency and open government, wind firms and municipal officials dealing with them should sign on to the code, starting here in Jefferson County.
Mr. Cuomo has drafted what is now a voluntary set of ethical guidelines for wind power companies and municipal officials in the wake of a corruption investigation in Franklin County, where wind companies are alleged to have improperly influenced local officials to get permission to build wind towers. Many times, as seen here in Jefferson County, local officials making decisions with long-term consequences reaching beyond their borders face conflicts of interest with leases to allow turbines on their property or that of their families.
Secrecy surrounding lease options only fuels the mistrust and suspicion about officials' motives and actions.
Mr. Cuomo's Wind Industry Ethics Code would eliminate some of that. It would bar wind companies from hiring municipal officials or their relatives. Firms could not give gifts of more than $10 during a one-year period or any other compensation contingent upon government action.
Wind companies cannot solicit or use confidential information from municipal officials.
Those provisions would reduce possible fraud or corruption, but what makes the code effective are the disclosure requirements. The names of municipal officials and family members who have a stake in wind projects would be listed on a Web site maintained by the wind company. The names would also be provided to municipal clerks and published in local newspapers. Wind easements and leases also must be filed with the county clerk.
People will not have to wonder whether an elected official is secretly planning to benefit from a lease. The agreements will be public record.
A first-time code violation can draw a fine of up to $50,000 and double for additional ones.
For now, the only two companies agreeing to the code are those targeted in Mr. Cuomo's investigation: Noble Environmental Power LLC of Essex, Conn., and First Wind of Newton, Mass.
For transparency and open government, wind firms and municipal officials dealing with them should sign on to the code, starting here in Jefferson County.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Enfield wind farm project is a fraud at fundamental level
There is an adage, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Indeed, when the subject is complex and esoteric, the common person needs to be on guard. Self-proclaimed proponents of energy and the environment have a notorious history of taking advantage of our good intentions. A contemporary example for the Ithaca community is the ludicrous proposal of John Rancich to deface the Finger Lakes landscape with windmills under the guise of “sustainable energy.”
Rancich has offered to do you a favor you don't recall asking for. The esoteric reality is that the proposal is a fraud at fundamental levels, and so fundamentals are what he will publicly avoid like the plague! Let's take a look at just a few.
Fundamental: All of the components Rancich will use to build his personal memento will come from factories powered by everything but wind. Indeed, the only reason these wind farm components are manufactured at all is because the profit margins are supported by non-wind powered factories and high prices that abjectly ignorant politicians are cajoled into paying, but from the taxpayer treasury!
Fundamental: Study after study also proves that if wind farms were the energy source for their own manufacture, the return-on-investment (ROI) would be so out of whack that no objective person would even consider it. In other words, even with the alleged savings in energy, a wind farm is such a dead end, it cannot even pay for itself! So how can it be justified, except by fraud or politics? Indeed, the ROI's are supportable only when the taxpayer is being taken for a ride by elected officials. Ask yourself this: Why are there no examples of a private company putting up a wind farm to power their factory or store? If a decent ROI stood on its own merit (i.e. no help from the taxpayer), don't you think those greedy, capitalists would have already done it!? The only examples of these eyesores are the politically mandated, taxpayer-funded charades lobbied for by the likes of Rancich.
Fundamental: If a project is not financially viable, how can it be “sustainable”?
Fundamental: You can also assure yourself that trendy politicians will be prioritizing their career mementos but only covertly. Publicly the politicians will proclaim energy independence as their motivation.
Let's step back and think about the ‘big picture' that got us here in the first place. Here we have George Bush in the White House chasing the priorities of his military contractor and oil baron suitors. Having driven the price of energy to the highest levels in human history, the Bush/Cheney crowd has ostensibly forced well-meaning people to take a second look at silliness like wind mills. Now that the proverbial price is right, and whether he admits it or not, Rancich is essentially declaring that the viability of his wind farm is based on the shenanigans of Bush/Cheney. Rather than taxpayer-funded wealth promoting schemes like wind farms, shouldn't Rancich help us revolt against an “administration” in Washington that has repeatedly failed to enact even a grammar-school level national energy policy? The Bush energy policy amounts to ‘no windfall profits left unexploited.' Alternatively, has anyone looked at the national energy policy of, say, France? How is it France has decoupled itself from a dangerous dependence on imported hydrocarbons? How is it France was able to shut down and stop all power plant usage of coal in 2004? Do you think that the nation of France powers its modern society and economy with Rancich-style wind farms? Spare me!
Trust me, I love the wind and I love the sun. I will do everything I can to protect the wildlife and the environment. I have always revolted against the abject incompetence of not having a national energy plan for the United States. Indeed, it is in these contexts that the Rancich wind farm is not viable.
On a personal note, I must admit my displeasure with an intrinsic part of the Rancich PR: The process of labels and labeling. In this case he has made the claim that the primary rejection he has heard from the Ithaca community is “not in my backyard” (NIMBY). I doubt that claim. Since I am writing this from Dearborn, Mich., this Rancich stunt only served to put me on guard. He states that the majority of the people “he's asked” have been in favor of the project. But when they're not in favor he resorts to slanders with the NIMBY label. His wind farm highway is full of fundamental potholes and should be dropped from consideration.
For those that need an esoteric primer on the physical and political fundamentals of wind farms, see Professor Howard Hogan's “The Solar Fraud: Why Solar Energy Won't Run the World.”
Paul Sheridan lives in Dearborn, Mich.
Rancich has offered to do you a favor you don't recall asking for. The esoteric reality is that the proposal is a fraud at fundamental levels, and so fundamentals are what he will publicly avoid like the plague! Let's take a look at just a few.
Fundamental: All of the components Rancich will use to build his personal memento will come from factories powered by everything but wind. Indeed, the only reason these wind farm components are manufactured at all is because the profit margins are supported by non-wind powered factories and high prices that abjectly ignorant politicians are cajoled into paying, but from the taxpayer treasury!
Fundamental: Study after study also proves that if wind farms were the energy source for their own manufacture, the return-on-investment (ROI) would be so out of whack that no objective person would even consider it. In other words, even with the alleged savings in energy, a wind farm is such a dead end, it cannot even pay for itself! So how can it be justified, except by fraud or politics? Indeed, the ROI's are supportable only when the taxpayer is being taken for a ride by elected officials. Ask yourself this: Why are there no examples of a private company putting up a wind farm to power their factory or store? If a decent ROI stood on its own merit (i.e. no help from the taxpayer), don't you think those greedy, capitalists would have already done it!? The only examples of these eyesores are the politically mandated, taxpayer-funded charades lobbied for by the likes of Rancich.
Fundamental: If a project is not financially viable, how can it be “sustainable”?
Fundamental: You can also assure yourself that trendy politicians will be prioritizing their career mementos but only covertly. Publicly the politicians will proclaim energy independence as their motivation.
Let's step back and think about the ‘big picture' that got us here in the first place. Here we have George Bush in the White House chasing the priorities of his military contractor and oil baron suitors. Having driven the price of energy to the highest levels in human history, the Bush/Cheney crowd has ostensibly forced well-meaning people to take a second look at silliness like wind mills. Now that the proverbial price is right, and whether he admits it or not, Rancich is essentially declaring that the viability of his wind farm is based on the shenanigans of Bush/Cheney. Rather than taxpayer-funded wealth promoting schemes like wind farms, shouldn't Rancich help us revolt against an “administration” in Washington that has repeatedly failed to enact even a grammar-school level national energy policy? The Bush energy policy amounts to ‘no windfall profits left unexploited.' Alternatively, has anyone looked at the national energy policy of, say, France? How is it France has decoupled itself from a dangerous dependence on imported hydrocarbons? How is it France was able to shut down and stop all power plant usage of coal in 2004? Do you think that the nation of France powers its modern society and economy with Rancich-style wind farms? Spare me!
Trust me, I love the wind and I love the sun. I will do everything I can to protect the wildlife and the environment. I have always revolted against the abject incompetence of not having a national energy plan for the United States. Indeed, it is in these contexts that the Rancich wind farm is not viable.
On a personal note, I must admit my displeasure with an intrinsic part of the Rancich PR: The process of labels and labeling. In this case he has made the claim that the primary rejection he has heard from the Ithaca community is “not in my backyard” (NIMBY). I doubt that claim. Since I am writing this from Dearborn, Mich., this Rancich stunt only served to put me on guard. He states that the majority of the people “he's asked” have been in favor of the project. But when they're not in favor he resorts to slanders with the NIMBY label. His wind farm highway is full of fundamental potholes and should be dropped from consideration.
For those that need an esoteric primer on the physical and political fundamentals of wind farms, see Professor Howard Hogan's “The Solar Fraud: Why Solar Energy Won't Run the World.”
Paul Sheridan lives in Dearborn, Mich.
Nipping corruption in the wind
ALBANY — Following allegations of self-dealing by municipal officials and bullying by energy companies, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo on Thursday put out ethical guidelines for the state's booming wind power industry.
The voluntary guidelines create "rules of the road that are very specific and very clear," said Cuomo, who was joined by local district attorneys and a pair of wind company executives at the Capitol.
The Wind Industry Ethics Code prevents wind companies, which need local zoning approval, from hiring municipal employees. The code also aims to prevent other conflicts of interest between local officials and wind firms. The guidelines also exposed a rift among the more than two dozen power companies ferociously competing for turf in the state.
The head of one group suggested Cuomo may be exploiting "not in my back yard" sentiments against wind companies.
The code includes "reasonable requirements," said Carol Murphy, head of the Alliance for Clean Energy. She added the guidelines should be extended beyond wind energy companies to all companies engaged in significant projects necessitating municipal permits. Murphy, whose group represents 22 wind companies, said she believes the industry is being singled out.
The two companies that joined Cuomo and have signed the code — Noble Environmental Power and First Wind — are not members of the alliance.
But Noble and First Wind are among several companies being investigated by Cuomo and, in some cases, county district attorneys. Landowners have complained of bullying behavior by companies, while other critics describe deals offered to town officials who may have conflicts of interest since some of them must create zoning ordinances that allow wind turbines.
Cuomo has developed ethical guidelines for other industries, such as college lenders, said John Milgrim, a Cuomo spokesman. And while ethical guidelines should pertain to all land developments, Milgrim said wind farms are unique in that they require large tracts of land.
"The nature of this development cuts wider and effects more people than most typical developments," Milgrim said, adding that district attorneys in the counties as well as the state Association of Towns welcomed the clarity Cuomo's guidelines create.
Wind farms, where turbines can rise more than 300 feet high, are becoming a hot topic . As companies scour breezy hilltops for turbine locations, there have been complaints from some areas that local officials who own land they've leased to the companies have been self-dealing by passing favorable zoning rules or ignoring opponents.
"We have gotten dozens of complaints from all across the state regarding these issues," Cuomo said. While such investigations, focused mostly on Franklin, Steuben and Wyoming counties, won't be halted by the guidelines, officials said they should help prevent problems.
There's also a developing land rush in the southern Albany County hill towns of Berne and Knox , where several wind companies hope to construct turbines. Berne Supervisor Kevin Crosier said he's fielded complaints from some residents who say that wind companies have made threats, saying they would get construction rights through eminent domain if property owners didn't voluntarily allow construction of turbines on their land.
The voluntary guidelines create "rules of the road that are very specific and very clear," said Cuomo, who was joined by local district attorneys and a pair of wind company executives at the Capitol.
The Wind Industry Ethics Code prevents wind companies, which need local zoning approval, from hiring municipal employees. The code also aims to prevent other conflicts of interest between local officials and wind firms. The guidelines also exposed a rift among the more than two dozen power companies ferociously competing for turf in the state.
The head of one group suggested Cuomo may be exploiting "not in my back yard" sentiments against wind companies.
The code includes "reasonable requirements," said Carol Murphy, head of the Alliance for Clean Energy. She added the guidelines should be extended beyond wind energy companies to all companies engaged in significant projects necessitating municipal permits. Murphy, whose group represents 22 wind companies, said she believes the industry is being singled out.
The two companies that joined Cuomo and have signed the code — Noble Environmental Power and First Wind — are not members of the alliance.
But Noble and First Wind are among several companies being investigated by Cuomo and, in some cases, county district attorneys. Landowners have complained of bullying behavior by companies, while other critics describe deals offered to town officials who may have conflicts of interest since some of them must create zoning ordinances that allow wind turbines.
Cuomo has developed ethical guidelines for other industries, such as college lenders, said John Milgrim, a Cuomo spokesman. And while ethical guidelines should pertain to all land developments, Milgrim said wind farms are unique in that they require large tracts of land.
"The nature of this development cuts wider and effects more people than most typical developments," Milgrim said, adding that district attorneys in the counties as well as the state Association of Towns welcomed the clarity Cuomo's guidelines create.
Wind farms, where turbines can rise more than 300 feet high, are becoming a hot topic . As companies scour breezy hilltops for turbine locations, there have been complaints from some areas that local officials who own land they've leased to the companies have been self-dealing by passing favorable zoning rules or ignoring opponents.
"We have gotten dozens of complaints from all across the state regarding these issues," Cuomo said. While such investigations, focused mostly on Franklin, Steuben and Wyoming counties, won't be halted by the guidelines, officials said they should help prevent problems.
There's also a developing land rush in the southern Albany County hill towns of Berne and Knox , where several wind companies hope to construct turbines. Berne Supervisor Kevin Crosier said he's fielded complaints from some residents who say that wind companies have made threats, saying they would get construction rights through eminent domain if property owners didn't voluntarily allow construction of turbines on their land.
Cuomo announces wind farm ethics code
Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo Thursday announced a new Wind Industry Ethics Code that establishes guidelines to facilitate the development of alternative energy in New York while assuring the public the wind power industry is acting properly and within the law.
The code calls for new oversight through a multi-agency task force, and establishes transparency that will deter any improper relationships between wind development companies and local government officials.
The ethics code is a result of the Attorney General’s investigation into, among other things, whether companies developing wind farms improperly sought land-use agreements with citizens and public officials, and whether improper benefits were given to public officials to influence their official actions relating to wind farm development.
Part of the investigation centered on alleged misconduct in Prattsburgh over a proposed wind farm.
Town Supervisor Harold McConnell admitted accepting a payment to broker a land deal for First Wind, an energy company, but denied it influenced two votes he cast for the company to acquire private land through eminent domain. McConnell’s actions prompted a lawsuit that was recently argued in state Supreme Court in Bath and a ruling is expected.
(Click to read entire article)
The code calls for new oversight through a multi-agency task force, and establishes transparency that will deter any improper relationships between wind development companies and local government officials.
The ethics code is a result of the Attorney General’s investigation into, among other things, whether companies developing wind farms improperly sought land-use agreements with citizens and public officials, and whether improper benefits were given to public officials to influence their official actions relating to wind farm development.
Part of the investigation centered on alleged misconduct in Prattsburgh over a proposed wind farm.
Town Supervisor Harold McConnell admitted accepting a payment to broker a land deal for First Wind, an energy company, but denied it influenced two votes he cast for the company to acquire private land through eminent domain. McConnell’s actions prompted a lawsuit that was recently argued in state Supreme Court in Bath and a ruling is expected.
(Click to read entire article)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
NY sets code to axe dirty business in clean energy
NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York's Attorney General launched an ethics code on Thursday that seeks to fight dirty business in the state's emerging wind power farm business.
"Clean energy requires clean government," Attorney General Andrew Cuomo told reporters.
Wind power is a bustling business in upstate New York offering jobs in poor regions. About 450 wind turbines have been installed, and another 900 are planned.
But residents have charged that wind power companies have intimidated them and given gifts to officials in an effort to locate wind farms.
The code is a result of Cuomo's investigation into dozens of complaints from throughout the state.
In July Cuomo had subpoenaed two wind companies, First Wind, based in Massachusetts, and Noble Environmental Power, LLC based in Connecticut, seeking documents.
Among other things, the code bans wind companies from hiring municipal employees or their relatives, giving annual gifts of more than $10, and knowingly using confidential information acquired by municipal officers in the course of their duties.
It also requires wind companies to produce public websites to disclose names of municipal officers or their relatives who have a financial stake in wind farm development.
First Wind and Noble Environmental Power both signed the ethics code, saying they were the first companies to do so voluntarily.
Noble is majority owned by funds affiliated with JPMorgan Chase & Co's private equity division JPMorgan Partners LLC, which are managed by private equity firm CCMP Capital Advisors LLC. First Wind is a private company.
"Clean energy requires clean government," Attorney General Andrew Cuomo told reporters.
Wind power is a bustling business in upstate New York offering jobs in poor regions. About 450 wind turbines have been installed, and another 900 are planned.
But residents have charged that wind power companies have intimidated them and given gifts to officials in an effort to locate wind farms.
The code is a result of Cuomo's investigation into dozens of complaints from throughout the state.
In July Cuomo had subpoenaed two wind companies, First Wind, based in Massachusetts, and Noble Environmental Power, LLC based in Connecticut, seeking documents.
Among other things, the code bans wind companies from hiring municipal employees or their relatives, giving annual gifts of more than $10, and knowingly using confidential information acquired by municipal officers in the course of their duties.
It also requires wind companies to produce public websites to disclose names of municipal officers or their relatives who have a financial stake in wind farm development.
First Wind and Noble Environmental Power both signed the ethics code, saying they were the first companies to do so voluntarily.
Noble is majority owned by funds affiliated with JPMorgan Chase & Co's private equity division JPMorgan Partners LLC, which are managed by private equity firm CCMP Capital Advisors LLC. First Wind is a private company.
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO ESTABLISHES CODE OF CONDUCT FOR WIND ENERGY COMPANIES OPERATING IN NEW YORK
Noble Environmental Power and First Wind first to sign Wind Industry Ethics Code
New Task Force to monitor and ensure compliance includes: District Attorneys Gerald Stout, Michael Green, and Derek Champagne, Executive Director of the NYS Association of Counties Stephen Acquario, Executive Director of the NYS Association of Towns G. Jeffrey Haber, and NYPIRG’s Legislative Director Blair Horner
ALBANY, N.Y. (October 30, 2008) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new Wind Industry Ethics Code that establishes guidelines to facilitate the development of alternative energy in New York while assuring the public the wind power industry is acting properly and within the law. The Code calls for new oversight through a multi-agency Task Force, and establishes unprecedented transparency that will deter any improper relationships between wind development companies and local government officials.
The first companies to sign the Attorney General’s Wind Industry Ethics Code are Essex, Connecticut-based Noble Environmental Power, LLC and Newton, Massachusetts-based First Wind (formerly known as UPC Wind). Both companies currently operate wind farms in New York and have several others in development.
“Wind power is an exciting industry for the state that will be a cornerstone of our energy future. But it is important to make sure that this alternative energy sector develops in a way that maintains the public’s confidence, and that is what this new Code of Conduct does,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “I commend Noble and First Wind for taking the lead by adopting this Code, and we fully expect other companies that want to develop wind farms in New York to follow suit.”
The Wind Industry Ethics Code is a result of the Attorney General’s investigation into, among other things, whether companies developing wind farms improperly sought land-use agreements with citizens and public officials, and whether improper benefits were given to public officials to influence their official actions relating to wind farm development. Both Noble and First Wind fully cooperated in the inquiry and their assistance was instrumental in developing the Code of Conduct that is being announced today.
The Attorney General's Wind Industry Ethics Code prohibits conflicts of interest between municipal officials and wind companies and establishes vast new public disclosure requirements. The Code:
•Bans wind companies from hiring municipal employees or their relatives, giving gifts of more than $10 during a one-year period, or providing any other form of compensation that is contingent on any action before a municipal agency
•Prevents wind companies from soliciting, using, or knowingly receiving confidential information acquired by a municipal officer in the course of his or her officials duties
•Requires wind companies to establish and maintain a public Web site to disclose the names of all municipal officers or their relatives who have a financial stake in wind farm development
•Requires wind companies to submit in writing to the municipal clerk for public inspection and to publish in the local newspaper the nature and scope of the municipal officer’s financial interest
•Mandates that all wind easements and leases be in writing and filed with the County Clerk
•Dictates that within thirty days of signing the Wind Industry Ethics Code, companies must conduct a seminar for employees about identifying and preventing conflicts of interest when working with municipal employees
Attorney General Cuomo is also establishing a new Task Force that will monitor wind companies to ensure they are in compliance with the Code of Conduct. Members of the Task Force will include: a representative from the Office of the Attorney General, Franklin County District Attorney Derek P. Champagne, Monroe County District Attorney Michael C. Green, Wyoming County District Attorney Gerald Stout, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties Stephen Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Towns G. Jeffrey Haber, and New York Public Interest Research Group Legislative Director Blair Horner.
The New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) estimates that wind power has the potential to provide 20 percent of the state’s electricity demand and a 2005 report by the state Comptroller’s Office estimates the alternative energy industry could add 43,000 jobs in New York by 2013.
Noble Environmental Power, LLC, has three active wind farms in New York; the Noble Clinton Windpark and Noble Ellenberg Windpark in Clinton County, and the Noble Bliss Windpark in Wyoming County. Other possible future locations include Allegany, Chautauqua, Clinton, Franklin, and Wyoming Counties.
First Wind has one operational wind farm in New York, the Steel Winds wind farm in Erie County. Possible future locations include Steuben and Chautauqua Counties.
Franklin County District Attorney Derek P. Champagne said, “This common sense approach by Attorney General Cuomo will help ensure the promise of clean, renewable energy is not tainted by shady deals and improper relationships between wind power companies and local government officials. I look forward to taking part in the new task force and applaud the Attorney General for his leadership on this important issue.”
Wyoming County District Attorney Gerald Stout said, “Wind power not only provides us with clean, renewable energy, it can also serve as an economic engine for New York. Attorney General Cuomo’s Code of Conduct and the introduction of the new task force are both important steps in making sure corrupt influences do not put this growing industry in peril.”
Monroe County District Attorney Michael C. Green said, “I commend Attorney General Cuomo for establishing this new Code of Conduct for the wind-power industry. When properly developed, wind power can and should play a vital role in our state’s energy future, but it cannot happen in a way that erodes public confidence with allegations of self-dealing and corruption. The Attorney General’s new code of conduct and task force will ensure that wind companies stay in compliance without unduly burdening the companies’ ability to do business in New York.”
Senator George Maziarz, Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee said, "Attorney General Cuomo has again proven that the best way to tackle challenging issues is through cooperation at all levels of government. By working together we can ensure that this promising industry will continue to flourish in New York."
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee said, “Wind power will play an important role in achieving energy independence through a growing reliance on clean, renewable resources. In order to reach that goal effectively, it is essential that all parties involved play by the rules and adhere to the highest standards of ethics. I applaud Attorney General Cuomo for his efforts on this issue.”
New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, "Local governments have taken the lead in siting wind energy generating facilities, which provide essential renewable energy into the electrical grid. Simultaneously, county ethics boards continue to take their role in policing conflicts of interest pertaining to the siting of wind power very seriously. Attorney General Cuomo's Code of Conduct is an important step in helping make sure public confidence remains strong as this burgeoning industry develops across our counties."
Executive Director of the New York State Association of Towns G. Jeffrey Haber said, “This is a new rapidly growing industry with exciting potential - as well as new challenges - for all of us. Attorney General Cuomo, working with all interested parties, has taken a strong leadership role in developing guidelines to help us all as the industry develops and evolves across New York state.”
Blair Horner, Legislative Director of the New York Public Interest Research Group said, “Good ethics requirements helps build a better business climate. Companies that play by the rules should never be put at a competitive disadvantage. And the public should know that private-public deals are made in the public’s best interest. This Code will help ensure that this important industry grows and prospers in New York.”
Walter Q. Howard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble Environmental Power said, “Noble has always been fully committed to the ethical and transparent development of renewable resources, and has supported the work of the Attorney General and his staff in the development of the new Wind Industry Ethics Code. We are gratified that going forward there will be clear guidelines with respect to ethical behavior and conflict of interest, and are committed to continuing to operate in conformity with the principles laid out today in this Code."
Paul Gaynor, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Wind said, “We are pleased to have cooperated with the Office of the New York Attorney General in its efforts to bring clarity to the wind industry in New York State. We have always held ourselves to high standards, and we hope that other firms will join us in signing on to this Code of Conduct. We believe it is good for us, good for the industry and good for New York.”
Any complaints about wind development companies should be sent to the newly created Task Force by e-mailing them to WindTaskForce@oag.state.ny.us. Complaints about other industries or local officials should be made to the Office of the Attorney General by e-mailing them to public.integrity@oag.state.ny.us or by calling 1-800-428-9072.
The matter is being handled by Special Deputy Attorney General Ellen Nachtigall Biben, who oversees the Attorney General’s Public Integrity Bureau, Deputy Bureau Chief Monica Stamm, Assistant Attorneys General Andrew Heffner and Robert Vawter, and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice Robin L. Baker.
New Task Force to monitor and ensure compliance includes: District Attorneys Gerald Stout, Michael Green, and Derek Champagne, Executive Director of the NYS Association of Counties Stephen Acquario, Executive Director of the NYS Association of Towns G. Jeffrey Haber, and NYPIRG’s Legislative Director Blair Horner
ALBANY, N.Y. (October 30, 2008) – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new Wind Industry Ethics Code that establishes guidelines to facilitate the development of alternative energy in New York while assuring the public the wind power industry is acting properly and within the law. The Code calls for new oversight through a multi-agency Task Force, and establishes unprecedented transparency that will deter any improper relationships between wind development companies and local government officials.
The first companies to sign the Attorney General’s Wind Industry Ethics Code are Essex, Connecticut-based Noble Environmental Power, LLC and Newton, Massachusetts-based First Wind (formerly known as UPC Wind). Both companies currently operate wind farms in New York and have several others in development.
“Wind power is an exciting industry for the state that will be a cornerstone of our energy future. But it is important to make sure that this alternative energy sector develops in a way that maintains the public’s confidence, and that is what this new Code of Conduct does,” said Attorney General Cuomo. “I commend Noble and First Wind for taking the lead by adopting this Code, and we fully expect other companies that want to develop wind farms in New York to follow suit.”
The Wind Industry Ethics Code is a result of the Attorney General’s investigation into, among other things, whether companies developing wind farms improperly sought land-use agreements with citizens and public officials, and whether improper benefits were given to public officials to influence their official actions relating to wind farm development. Both Noble and First Wind fully cooperated in the inquiry and their assistance was instrumental in developing the Code of Conduct that is being announced today.
The Attorney General's Wind Industry Ethics Code prohibits conflicts of interest between municipal officials and wind companies and establishes vast new public disclosure requirements. The Code:
•Bans wind companies from hiring municipal employees or their relatives, giving gifts of more than $10 during a one-year period, or providing any other form of compensation that is contingent on any action before a municipal agency
•Prevents wind companies from soliciting, using, or knowingly receiving confidential information acquired by a municipal officer in the course of his or her officials duties
•Requires wind companies to establish and maintain a public Web site to disclose the names of all municipal officers or their relatives who have a financial stake in wind farm development
•Requires wind companies to submit in writing to the municipal clerk for public inspection and to publish in the local newspaper the nature and scope of the municipal officer’s financial interest
•Mandates that all wind easements and leases be in writing and filed with the County Clerk
•Dictates that within thirty days of signing the Wind Industry Ethics Code, companies must conduct a seminar for employees about identifying and preventing conflicts of interest when working with municipal employees
Attorney General Cuomo is also establishing a new Task Force that will monitor wind companies to ensure they are in compliance with the Code of Conduct. Members of the Task Force will include: a representative from the Office of the Attorney General, Franklin County District Attorney Derek P. Champagne, Monroe County District Attorney Michael C. Green, Wyoming County District Attorney Gerald Stout, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties Stephen Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Towns G. Jeffrey Haber, and New York Public Interest Research Group Legislative Director Blair Horner.
The New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) estimates that wind power has the potential to provide 20 percent of the state’s electricity demand and a 2005 report by the state Comptroller’s Office estimates the alternative energy industry could add 43,000 jobs in New York by 2013.
Noble Environmental Power, LLC, has three active wind farms in New York; the Noble Clinton Windpark and Noble Ellenberg Windpark in Clinton County, and the Noble Bliss Windpark in Wyoming County. Other possible future locations include Allegany, Chautauqua, Clinton, Franklin, and Wyoming Counties.
First Wind has one operational wind farm in New York, the Steel Winds wind farm in Erie County. Possible future locations include Steuben and Chautauqua Counties.
Franklin County District Attorney Derek P. Champagne said, “This common sense approach by Attorney General Cuomo will help ensure the promise of clean, renewable energy is not tainted by shady deals and improper relationships between wind power companies and local government officials. I look forward to taking part in the new task force and applaud the Attorney General for his leadership on this important issue.”
Wyoming County District Attorney Gerald Stout said, “Wind power not only provides us with clean, renewable energy, it can also serve as an economic engine for New York. Attorney General Cuomo’s Code of Conduct and the introduction of the new task force are both important steps in making sure corrupt influences do not put this growing industry in peril.”
Monroe County District Attorney Michael C. Green said, “I commend Attorney General Cuomo for establishing this new Code of Conduct for the wind-power industry. When properly developed, wind power can and should play a vital role in our state’s energy future, but it cannot happen in a way that erodes public confidence with allegations of self-dealing and corruption. The Attorney General’s new code of conduct and task force will ensure that wind companies stay in compliance without unduly burdening the companies’ ability to do business in New York.”
Senator George Maziarz, Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee said, "Attorney General Cuomo has again proven that the best way to tackle challenging issues is through cooperation at all levels of government. By working together we can ensure that this promising industry will continue to flourish in New York."
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee said, “Wind power will play an important role in achieving energy independence through a growing reliance on clean, renewable resources. In order to reach that goal effectively, it is essential that all parties involved play by the rules and adhere to the highest standards of ethics. I applaud Attorney General Cuomo for his efforts on this issue.”
New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, "Local governments have taken the lead in siting wind energy generating facilities, which provide essential renewable energy into the electrical grid. Simultaneously, county ethics boards continue to take their role in policing conflicts of interest pertaining to the siting of wind power very seriously. Attorney General Cuomo's Code of Conduct is an important step in helping make sure public confidence remains strong as this burgeoning industry develops across our counties."
Executive Director of the New York State Association of Towns G. Jeffrey Haber said, “This is a new rapidly growing industry with exciting potential - as well as new challenges - for all of us. Attorney General Cuomo, working with all interested parties, has taken a strong leadership role in developing guidelines to help us all as the industry develops and evolves across New York state.”
Blair Horner, Legislative Director of the New York Public Interest Research Group said, “Good ethics requirements helps build a better business climate. Companies that play by the rules should never be put at a competitive disadvantage. And the public should know that private-public deals are made in the public’s best interest. This Code will help ensure that this important industry grows and prospers in New York.”
Walter Q. Howard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble Environmental Power said, “Noble has always been fully committed to the ethical and transparent development of renewable resources, and has supported the work of the Attorney General and his staff in the development of the new Wind Industry Ethics Code. We are gratified that going forward there will be clear guidelines with respect to ethical behavior and conflict of interest, and are committed to continuing to operate in conformity with the principles laid out today in this Code."
Paul Gaynor, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Wind said, “We are pleased to have cooperated with the Office of the New York Attorney General in its efforts to bring clarity to the wind industry in New York State. We have always held ourselves to high standards, and we hope that other firms will join us in signing on to this Code of Conduct. We believe it is good for us, good for the industry and good for New York.”
Any complaints about wind development companies should be sent to the newly created Task Force by e-mailing them to WindTaskForce@oag.state.ny.us. Complaints about other industries or local officials should be made to the Office of the Attorney General by e-mailing them to public.integrity@oag.state.ny.us or by calling 1-800-428-9072.
The matter is being handled by Special Deputy Attorney General Ellen Nachtigall Biben, who oversees the Attorney General’s Public Integrity Bureau, Deputy Bureau Chief Monica Stamm, Assistant Attorneys General Andrew Heffner and Robert Vawter, and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice Robin L. Baker.
Wind power companies, Cuomo reach agreement
ALBANY -- Two wind power companies under investigation for possible improper dealings with local government officials agreed this morning to adopt a set of ethics principles designed to provide a level of transparency into the rapidly expanding alternative energy sector.
The agreement between the companies, one of which is the developer of the Steel Winds project on the old Bethlehem Steel plant site in Lackawanna, does not close the investigation begun earlier this summer by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo is looking into possibly shaky deals offered by the companies to local government officials in return for land-use agreements for placement of the controversial wind turbines.
The code of conduct principles was signed by Massachusetts-based First Wind, developer of the Lackawanna facility, and Connecticut-based Noble Environmental Power, which has three wind farms and another five under development in Allegany, Chautauqua, Wyoming, Clinton and Franklin counties.
Cuomo said the companies have been cooperating with his probe of whether the growing number of wind firms trying to do business in New York illegally obtained land agreements from municipalities by cutting deals with government officials or citizens. The two companies are the first to sign onto the code of conduct.
The code bans wind companies from hiring local government officials or their relatives for one year after approval of a wind energy deal. It also bans companies from seeking, using or receiving "confidential information" obtained by a locality about a pending project. Companies also will have to post on a web site the names of any municipal officials or their relatives with any financial stake in the firms.
Wind easements and leases will have to be publicly filed with county clerks. Companies must conduct seminars to educate their workers about preventing conflicts of interests in dealings with local officials.
Subpoenas were served in July on the two companies as part of Cuomo's investigation into questionable dealings with local officials around the state. The office had gotten complaints about "improper relations" between wind companies and local officials, including in Erie County. Cuomo has not divulged any details of the investigation.
In July, Lackawanna Mayor Norman Polanski said the wind power project in his city was not a part of the probe.
Cuomo also announced creation of a new task force -- composed of members of his staff, local district attorneys, including Wyoming County District Attorney Gerald Stout, and local government organizations -- to monitor the companies to ensure they comply with the new code. He asked residents to send complaints about any wind company developments to windtaskforce@oag.state.ny.us.
"Wind power is an exciting industry for the state that will be a cornerstone of our energy future. But it is important to make sure that this alternative energy sector develops in a way that maintains the public's confidence," Cuomo said in a statement.
The agreement between the companies, one of which is the developer of the Steel Winds project on the old Bethlehem Steel plant site in Lackawanna, does not close the investigation begun earlier this summer by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo is looking into possibly shaky deals offered by the companies to local government officials in return for land-use agreements for placement of the controversial wind turbines.
The code of conduct principles was signed by Massachusetts-based First Wind, developer of the Lackawanna facility, and Connecticut-based Noble Environmental Power, which has three wind farms and another five under development in Allegany, Chautauqua, Wyoming, Clinton and Franklin counties.
Cuomo said the companies have been cooperating with his probe of whether the growing number of wind firms trying to do business in New York illegally obtained land agreements from municipalities by cutting deals with government officials or citizens. The two companies are the first to sign onto the code of conduct.
The code bans wind companies from hiring local government officials or their relatives for one year after approval of a wind energy deal. It also bans companies from seeking, using or receiving "confidential information" obtained by a locality about a pending project. Companies also will have to post on a web site the names of any municipal officials or their relatives with any financial stake in the firms.
Wind easements and leases will have to be publicly filed with county clerks. Companies must conduct seminars to educate their workers about preventing conflicts of interests in dealings with local officials.
Subpoenas were served in July on the two companies as part of Cuomo's investigation into questionable dealings with local officials around the state. The office had gotten complaints about "improper relations" between wind companies and local officials, including in Erie County. Cuomo has not divulged any details of the investigation.
In July, Lackawanna Mayor Norman Polanski said the wind power project in his city was not a part of the probe.
Cuomo also announced creation of a new task force -- composed of members of his staff, local district attorneys, including Wyoming County District Attorney Gerald Stout, and local government organizations -- to monitor the companies to ensure they comply with the new code. He asked residents to send complaints about any wind company developments to windtaskforce@oag.state.ny.us.
"Wind power is an exciting industry for the state that will be a cornerstone of our energy future. But it is important to make sure that this alternative energy sector develops in a way that maintains the public's confidence," Cuomo said in a statement.
False Renewable Energy Job & Economic Benefits Claims
- 12 Common Flaws and Faulty Assumptions –
Renewable energy advocates have been very active in issuing press releases claiming that their “studies,” “analyses,” and “reports” show investments in “renewable” energy projects will produce big increases in jobs and economic benefits.
Reporters and editors parrot the claims, apparently with no serious attempt to evaluate them.
Federal and state officials – executive, legislative and regulatory – accept renewable energy lobbyists’ claims as if they are facts, and even repeat false and misleading claims to justify proposals to provide even more tax breaks, and subsidies for “renewable” energy.
Unfortunately, many in media and government apparently are unable (or have no desire) to tell the difference between valid and false claims from renewable energy advocates. Federal and state energy agencies (e.g., the US Department of Energy --DOE) and its contractors add to the problem when they use tax dollars to finance and publicize studies and reports that include false and misleading claims.
Consumers and taxpayers who bear the costs of tax breaks, subsidies, and unwise energy investments deserve protection from the results of false and misleading claims but, sadly, experience suggests that they will get little help from the media or from elected or appointed government officials.
Twelve Common Flaws and Faulty Assumptions
Gross overstatements of job creation and other economic benefits are often the result of twelve common flaws and faulty assumptions that are either purposely or inadvertently made by those who prepare the “analyses,” “studies,” and “reports” that allege big benefits. The twelve flaws and faulty assumptions, listed below, are particularly common in the case of wind energy.
1. Ignoring the fact that much of the capital spending is for equipment purchased elsewhere, often imported from other countries. (This is a common error in the case of "wind farms" where as much as 75% of the capital costs are often for turbines, towers and blades – many of which are imported.)
2. Assuming that employment during project construction results in new jobs for local workers -- when many of the construction jobs (particularly in the case of wind energy) are short term (6 months or less) and filled by skilled workers who are brought in temporarily. Similarly, assuming that "permanent" jobs are new jobs and filled by local workers -- when they are filled by people brought in for short periods (e.g., for maintenance work).
3. Assuming that temporary workers who are brought in for short periods spend their pay checks and pay taxes locally when, in fact, these workers spend most of their wages where they and their families have permanent residences -- and where the workers spend most of their weekends and pay taxes.
4. Assuming that the full purchase price of the goods and services purchased locally (which often are minimal anyway) has a local economic benefit. In fact, only the local value added may have a local economic benefit. This is illustrated by the purchase of a gallon of gasoline -- let's say for $2.50. Only the wages of the service station employees, the dealer's margin, and the taxes paid locally or to the state will have a local or state economic benefit. Economic benefits from the share of the $2.50 that pays for the crude oil (much of it imported), refining, wholesaling, and transportation generally flows elsewhere.
5. Assuming that land rental payments in the case of "wind farms" all have local economic benefit. In fact, these payments will have little or no local economic benefit when the payments are to absentee landowners OR if the money is spent or invested elsewhere or is used to pay income taxes that flow to Washington DC or state capitals.
6. Using "input-output" models that spit out "indirect" job and other economic benefits but which are based on untested or flawed underlying data and assumptions and unproven "multiplier" effects.
7. Ignoring the COSTS imposed by the development. In the case of wind energy, these would include but are not limited to (a) the environmental and ecological costs associated with the production of the equipment, (b) constructing and operating the "wind farm" (e.g., site and road clearing, habitat destruction, noise, bird and bat kills and migration interference) , (c) scenic impairment, (d) neighboring property value impairment, and (e) local infrastructure costs.
8. Ignoring the fact that electricity produced from wind, has less real value because it is intermittent, volatile and unreliable and most likely to be produced at night in colder months, not on hot weekday late afternoons in July and August when demand is high and the economic value of electricity is high.
9. Ignoring the "backup power" costs; i.e., the added cost resulting from having to keep reliable generating units immediately available (often running at less than peak efficiency) to keep electric grids in balance when those grids have to accept intermittent, volatile and unreliable output from "wind farms.
10. Ignoring the fact that electricity produced from renewable sources located in remote areas result in high transmission costs, including (a) construction of additional transmission capacity, the costs of which are passed on to electric customers and which imposes other environmental, scenic and property value costs, (b) electricity "line losses" because part of the electricity that is produced by generating units never reaches customers or serves a useful purpose, and (c) inefficient use of transmission capacity because the output is intermittent and generally unpredictable – resulting in high unit costs of transmission.
11. Ignoring the true higher cost of the electricity (or other energy form) resulting from the renewable energy source -- and the associated fact that electric customers then have less money to save or to spend on other needs (food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care -- or hundreds of other things normally purchased in local stores), thus reducing the jobs associated with that spending.
12. Perhaps most important, ignoring the very important fact that the investment dollars going to "renewable" energy sources would be available for investment for other purposes that will often produce greater economic benefits.
In summary, it’s well past the time that writers, editors and government officials STOP accepting and repeating misleading false and misleading “renewable” energy job creation and economic benefit claims! Consumers and taxpayers should demand that they do so – repeatedly, if necessary.
Glenn R. Schleede
18220 Turnberry Drive
Round Hill, VA 20141-2574
540-338-9958
Renewable energy advocates have been very active in issuing press releases claiming that their “studies,” “analyses,” and “reports” show investments in “renewable” energy projects will produce big increases in jobs and economic benefits.
Reporters and editors parrot the claims, apparently with no serious attempt to evaluate them.
Federal and state officials – executive, legislative and regulatory – accept renewable energy lobbyists’ claims as if they are facts, and even repeat false and misleading claims to justify proposals to provide even more tax breaks, and subsidies for “renewable” energy.
Unfortunately, many in media and government apparently are unable (or have no desire) to tell the difference between valid and false claims from renewable energy advocates. Federal and state energy agencies (e.g., the US Department of Energy --DOE) and its contractors add to the problem when they use tax dollars to finance and publicize studies and reports that include false and misleading claims.
Consumers and taxpayers who bear the costs of tax breaks, subsidies, and unwise energy investments deserve protection from the results of false and misleading claims but, sadly, experience suggests that they will get little help from the media or from elected or appointed government officials.
Twelve Common Flaws and Faulty Assumptions
Gross overstatements of job creation and other economic benefits are often the result of twelve common flaws and faulty assumptions that are either purposely or inadvertently made by those who prepare the “analyses,” “studies,” and “reports” that allege big benefits. The twelve flaws and faulty assumptions, listed below, are particularly common in the case of wind energy.
1. Ignoring the fact that much of the capital spending is for equipment purchased elsewhere, often imported from other countries. (This is a common error in the case of "wind farms" where as much as 75% of the capital costs are often for turbines, towers and blades – many of which are imported.)
2. Assuming that employment during project construction results in new jobs for local workers -- when many of the construction jobs (particularly in the case of wind energy) are short term (6 months or less) and filled by skilled workers who are brought in temporarily. Similarly, assuming that "permanent" jobs are new jobs and filled by local workers -- when they are filled by people brought in for short periods (e.g., for maintenance work).
3. Assuming that temporary workers who are brought in for short periods spend their pay checks and pay taxes locally when, in fact, these workers spend most of their wages where they and their families have permanent residences -- and where the workers spend most of their weekends and pay taxes.
4. Assuming that the full purchase price of the goods and services purchased locally (which often are minimal anyway) has a local economic benefit. In fact, only the local value added may have a local economic benefit. This is illustrated by the purchase of a gallon of gasoline -- let's say for $2.50. Only the wages of the service station employees, the dealer's margin, and the taxes paid locally or to the state will have a local or state economic benefit. Economic benefits from the share of the $2.50 that pays for the crude oil (much of it imported), refining, wholesaling, and transportation generally flows elsewhere.
5. Assuming that land rental payments in the case of "wind farms" all have local economic benefit. In fact, these payments will have little or no local economic benefit when the payments are to absentee landowners OR if the money is spent or invested elsewhere or is used to pay income taxes that flow to Washington DC or state capitals.
6. Using "input-output" models that spit out "indirect" job and other economic benefits but which are based on untested or flawed underlying data and assumptions and unproven "multiplier" effects.
7. Ignoring the COSTS imposed by the development. In the case of wind energy, these would include but are not limited to (a) the environmental and ecological costs associated with the production of the equipment, (b) constructing and operating the "wind farm" (e.g., site and road clearing, habitat destruction, noise, bird and bat kills and migration interference) , (c) scenic impairment, (d) neighboring property value impairment, and (e) local infrastructure costs.
8. Ignoring the fact that electricity produced from wind, has less real value because it is intermittent, volatile and unreliable and most likely to be produced at night in colder months, not on hot weekday late afternoons in July and August when demand is high and the economic value of electricity is high.
9. Ignoring the "backup power" costs; i.e., the added cost resulting from having to keep reliable generating units immediately available (often running at less than peak efficiency) to keep electric grids in balance when those grids have to accept intermittent, volatile and unreliable output from "wind farms.
10. Ignoring the fact that electricity produced from renewable sources located in remote areas result in high transmission costs, including (a) construction of additional transmission capacity, the costs of which are passed on to electric customers and which imposes other environmental, scenic and property value costs, (b) electricity "line losses" because part of the electricity that is produced by generating units never reaches customers or serves a useful purpose, and (c) inefficient use of transmission capacity because the output is intermittent and generally unpredictable – resulting in high unit costs of transmission.
11. Ignoring the true higher cost of the electricity (or other energy form) resulting from the renewable energy source -- and the associated fact that electric customers then have less money to save or to spend on other needs (food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care -- or hundreds of other things normally purchased in local stores), thus reducing the jobs associated with that spending.
12. Perhaps most important, ignoring the very important fact that the investment dollars going to "renewable" energy sources would be available for investment for other purposes that will often produce greater economic benefits.
In summary, it’s well past the time that writers, editors and government officials STOP accepting and repeating misleading false and misleading “renewable” energy job creation and economic benefit claims! Consumers and taxpayers should demand that they do so – repeatedly, if necessary.
Glenn R. Schleede
18220 Turnberry Drive
Round Hill, VA 20141-2574
540-338-9958
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