If elected US president, Republican candidate Mitt Romney would end federal government support for the solar and wind industries, and curtail the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) “reckless regulatory behaviour” and “war on carbon.”
Polls show Romney, 64, running a strong second to Texas Governor Rick Perry among eight declared candidates vying for the opportunity to face President Barack Obama in the November 2012 election.
Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, is touting his 35 years in the public and private sectors as giving him the right background to turn around the country’s stagnant economy and cut its dependence on foreign oil.
In “Believe in America,” his 88-page plan for economic growth and jobs, Romney is critical of Obama’s policies that promote renewable energy and green jobs, claiming they are distorting the free market.
“We should not be in the business of steering investment toward particular politically favoured approaches,” he says in the plan. “That is a recipe for both time and money wasted on projects that do not bring us dividends. The failure of windmills and solar plants to become economically viable or make a significant contribution to our energy supply is a prime example.”
Romney calls solar and wind two of the most “ballyhooed” forms of alternative fuel, saying they remain sharply uncompetitive on their own with conventional resources such as oil and gas in most applications. “Indeed, at current prices, these technologies make little sense for the consuming public but great sense only for the companies reaping profits from taxpayer subsidies,” he claims.
According to Romney, there is a place for government investment to promote innovation in the energy industry when time horizons are too long, risks too high and rewards too uncertain to attract private capital.
“However, much of our existing energy research and development budget has been devoted to loan guarantees, cash grants and tax incentives for projects that might have gone forward anyway, “ he contends, adding as president he will redirect clean energy spending towards basic research.
He argues that government research dollars should be used to develop new energy technologies and on initial demonstration projects that establish the feasibility of discoveries. “This approach offers the best opportunity to promote innovation without distorting the market,” he says.
Romney favors doing this through the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy, or ARPA-E, the US Energy Department arm that began operation in February 2009, which he says will ensure long-term, non-political sources of funding for a wide variety of competing, early-stage technologies.
Ironically, the initial $400m in funding for ARPA-E came from the $775bn American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the economic stimulus bill, drawn up by Obama and his White House advisers. Romney says the record fiscal stimulus programme failed to resuscitate the economy or create the millions of jobs promised by Obama.
“President Obama made much of his commitment to green jobs, and his stimulus legislation was rife with provisions subsidising initiatives in these areas,” Romney says, referring to the $60bn targeted for clean energy initiatives.
He argues that funneling money in that direction was an inefficient instrument for job creation as alternative and renewable energy is capital- not labor-intensive. Federal spending could also have a marginal impact on employment as the baseline of activity in the green jobs sector is relatively low, adds Romney.
Even as Romney is urging more support for ARPA-E, his fellow Republicans in Congress want to cut its funding by half in the 2012-13 (October-September) fiscal year saying that the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Turning to the EPA, Romney accused the Obama administration of using the agency to impose a “costly and ineffective anti-carbon agenda” that failed to win support in Congress in 2009-10.
He vows to eliminate regulations put in place to curb CO2 emissions and slow refinement of technologies that burn coal cleanly, although he does not name them. Romney claims that had Congress passed Obama’s carbon cap-and-trade proposal, it would have been a crippling blow for the US economy.
Romney says that he will make every effort to safeguard the environment, “but he will be mindful at every step of also protecting the jobs of American workers.” He complains that the White House is using the EPA to blanket the US economy with regulations without allowing a proper assessment of their costs.
If there are compelling human health reasons to restrict industrial emissions, regulatory bodies must issue standards that can be achieved over a reasonable period of time, he argues.
This would afford industries fair notice and a significant window in which to invest in the development and installation of new technology that would bring their facilities into compliance.
Romney also pledges to amend the 1970 Clean Air Act to remove carbon dioxide from its purview, even though the law’s wording does not include the heat-trapping greenhouse gas that most scientists say contributes to global warming.
The US Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that EPA must regulate CO2 and other greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act if it determined that they endanger human health and welfare. EPA made its “endangerment finding” in December 2009.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Concerned Citizens Appeal Wind Decision
The group Concerned Citizens of Cattaraugus County has filed an appeal to the zoning board of appeals in Allegany, contesting the recent approval of an EverPower wind farm project.
On Monday, the group’s attorney, Gary Abraham, said the appeal is asking the zoning board for an independent interpretation of the Allegany zoning law, and is arguing that the Allegany Planning Board failed to analyze noise impact as required by the law.
When reached today, Mr. Abraham said he believes the appeal will help stall the process of building the wind farm.
“The division we’re appealing under authorizes the zoning board to interpret the local law to see whether the requirements we said have not been met, actually apply,” Mr. Abraham said.
He noted that EverPower has to begin construction on the 29-wind turbine farm this fall, and have it up and running by the end of 2012, to receive federal grant money for the project.
Mr. Abraham said if the appeal is unsuccessful, Concerned Citizens has other options.
“I don’t think this is over by any means,” Mr. Abraham said.
On Monday, the group’s attorney, Gary Abraham, said the appeal is asking the zoning board for an independent interpretation of the Allegany zoning law, and is arguing that the Allegany Planning Board failed to analyze noise impact as required by the law.
When reached today, Mr. Abraham said he believes the appeal will help stall the process of building the wind farm.
“The division we’re appealing under authorizes the zoning board to interpret the local law to see whether the requirements we said have not been met, actually apply,” Mr. Abraham said.
He noted that EverPower has to begin construction on the 29-wind turbine farm this fall, and have it up and running by the end of 2012, to receive federal grant money for the project.
Mr. Abraham said if the appeal is unsuccessful, Concerned Citizens has other options.
“I don’t think this is over by any means,” Mr. Abraham said.
Public meeting to review effects of wind turbines on Lake Ontario
Irondequoit, N.Y. — A public meeting, hosted by the Great Lakes Concerned Citizens, will address the economic, environmental and social issues of industrial offshore wind plants.
The New York Power Authority has initiated the Great Lakes Offshore Wind (GLOW) project, but some say that offshore wind plants can have a serious effect on quality of life issues. one location that may be a candidate for a plant is near Charlotte.
The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19 at the Roger Robach Community Center at Ontario Beach Park.The meeting will present information on the GLOW initiative and details on wind energy effects, with time for a question and answer session.
The New York Power Authority has initiated the Great Lakes Offshore Wind (GLOW) project, but some say that offshore wind plants can have a serious effect on quality of life issues. one location that may be a candidate for a plant is near Charlotte.
The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19 at the Roger Robach Community Center at Ontario Beach Park.The meeting will present information on the GLOW initiative and details on wind energy effects, with time for a question and answer session.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunflower Electric Announces Wind Energy Contract
Sunflower Electric Power Corp. and Infinity Wind Power LLC have announced a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for 104 MW of wind energy from Infinity's Shooting Star wind project, to be located near Mullinville, Kan. The contract was signed by Mid-Kansas Electric Co. LLC, which was formed in 2005 by five of Sunflower's members and a wholly owned subsidiary.
Infinity recently purchased the development rights for the project from Clipper Windpower LLC, which began development in 2001. It is expected to be operational by the end of 2012.
With the addition of this contract, the combined Sunflower system will have a net renewable generation capacity equal to 29% of retail peak demand, according to the utility.
Infinity recently purchased the development rights for the project from Clipper Windpower LLC, which began development in 2001. It is expected to be operational by the end of 2012.
With the addition of this contract, the combined Sunflower system will have a net renewable generation capacity equal to 29% of retail peak demand, according to the utility.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Nothing embodies Big Government more than Big Wind
As I read Orangeville Supervisor Susan May’s locally-published letter on why Orangeville “needs” Invenergy’s Stony Creek industrial wind project, I was truly astounded.
Let’s be real, Ms. May — all the money you are so happy to report that will be coming to Orangeville has been picked from the pockets of New York State taxpayers and ratepayers. By enabling this fraud to continue to be perpetrated on all New York State citizens, you are stealing from all of us!
New York State is already broke. At the cost of $475,000 per “green” job created, and the resulting 2.2 jobs lost in the rest of the economy as a result — all for a politically-driven, inefficient, non-performing boondoggle of Enron’s brainchild, industrial wind — it’s clear Ms. May’s short-sighted payoffs are costing us all dearly in the long run.
Ms. May quoted $120,000, to be divided amongst three school districts at $40,000 each, as if it were something to be proud of. Peoples’ homes stand to be devalued by at least that amount — per home! Big Wind LLCs refuse to enact Property Value Protection Plans for that very obvious reason.
Despite ongoing lawsuits, warnings from contract holders in neighboring towns whose drain tiles and damaged homes remain un-repaired following construction, and the laundry list of other ongoing problems too lengthy to list here — Ms. May talks as if all is wonderful in the Land of Oz. While in reality, her town has already been completely devastated by Big Wind before a single machine has even gone up.
The only thing that has ever been reliably generated from industrial wind facilities is the kind of complete and utter civil discord now evident in Orangeville. The job of good government, headed by competent leaders, is to foresee and prevent this kind of divisiveness. Unfortunately, greed has driven the decisions of the Orangeville Town Board.
Republicans like to bill themselves as the party of small-business working-class, who support smaller government, and despise dependence on entitlements and the welfare state — right? Not in Orangeville.
All five Orangeville Town Board members are registered Republicans (Mr. Boxler flip-flopped to become a Republican last election cycle). They pretend to rail against big government, when in fact they are on the take from it. Why work for a living when you can get a windfall owning land fit for multinational wind developers — at your neighbor’s expense!?
Nothing embodies Big Government more than Big Wind. Good, self-reliant people need wind like their children need to inherit the massive national debt — to which wind subsidies are a substantial contributor.
While our corporate-led state is ultimately responsible for the garbage they continue to allow in this continual blood-sucking of New York State taxpayers and ratepayers — Ms. May and her cohorts on the Orangeville Town Board have joined ranks with the worst of the wind welfare leeches. And I for one, am ashamed that they call themselves Republicans.
Mary Kay Barton lives in Silver Lake.
Let’s be real, Ms. May — all the money you are so happy to report that will be coming to Orangeville has been picked from the pockets of New York State taxpayers and ratepayers. By enabling this fraud to continue to be perpetrated on all New York State citizens, you are stealing from all of us!
New York State is already broke. At the cost of $475,000 per “green” job created, and the resulting 2.2 jobs lost in the rest of the economy as a result — all for a politically-driven, inefficient, non-performing boondoggle of Enron’s brainchild, industrial wind — it’s clear Ms. May’s short-sighted payoffs are costing us all dearly in the long run.
Ms. May quoted $120,000, to be divided amongst three school districts at $40,000 each, as if it were something to be proud of. Peoples’ homes stand to be devalued by at least that amount — per home! Big Wind LLCs refuse to enact Property Value Protection Plans for that very obvious reason.
Despite ongoing lawsuits, warnings from contract holders in neighboring towns whose drain tiles and damaged homes remain un-repaired following construction, and the laundry list of other ongoing problems too lengthy to list here — Ms. May talks as if all is wonderful in the Land of Oz. While in reality, her town has already been completely devastated by Big Wind before a single machine has even gone up.
The only thing that has ever been reliably generated from industrial wind facilities is the kind of complete and utter civil discord now evident in Orangeville. The job of good government, headed by competent leaders, is to foresee and prevent this kind of divisiveness. Unfortunately, greed has driven the decisions of the Orangeville Town Board.
Republicans like to bill themselves as the party of small-business working-class, who support smaller government, and despise dependence on entitlements and the welfare state — right? Not in Orangeville.
All five Orangeville Town Board members are registered Republicans (Mr. Boxler flip-flopped to become a Republican last election cycle). They pretend to rail against big government, when in fact they are on the take from it. Why work for a living when you can get a windfall owning land fit for multinational wind developers — at your neighbor’s expense!?
Nothing embodies Big Government more than Big Wind. Good, self-reliant people need wind like their children need to inherit the massive national debt — to which wind subsidies are a substantial contributor.
While our corporate-led state is ultimately responsible for the garbage they continue to allow in this continual blood-sucking of New York State taxpayers and ratepayers — Ms. May and her cohorts on the Orangeville Town Board have joined ranks with the worst of the wind welfare leeches. And I for one, am ashamed that they call themselves Republicans.
Mary Kay Barton lives in Silver Lake.
GE to Provide Wind Service Coverage for Entire First Wind GE Fleet
First Wind, a Boston-based independent wind energy company, has selected GE (NYSE: GE) as its service provider for the companys entire fleet of 264 GE wind turbines at eight sites across the United States. The eight-year comprehensive service agreement expands upon existing contracts with First Wind, and is the first contract to cover an entire fleet of wind turbines signed by GE to date.
GEs agreement with First Wind will include operations, parts and on-site support including a comprehensive maintenance package. First Wind will benefit from GEs latest high tech offerings, including WindBOOST, designed to increase wind turbine production; Winter Ice Operations Mode, which can allow turbines to recapture production in colder climates; and a full service agreement on wind turbine drive trains with the goal of increasing reliability and performance. GE also will provide an availability guarantee at First Winds wind sites in Maine, Utah and Hawaii. GEs 1.5 megawatt (MW) machine is the most widely deployed wind turbine in the world, with more than 15,000 units installed globally.
GE is focused on improving the performance of our installed base of 1.5 MW turbines. We believe this long term service agreement with GE will help us to optimize annual energy production and reduce the overall cost of electricity, both key factors for success in todays challenging wind energy industry, said Michael Alvarez, president and chief financial officer of First Wind. The agreement with GE ensures the availability and reliability of our wind turbines, and the drive train maintenance package will provide us with long term asset management coverage.
GEs wind service solutions are supported by the companys advanced technology, global resources and service facilities, and a network of skilled, highly trained local technicians who are closely connected to GEs engineering organization. GE service agreements also give customers access to GEs suite of turbine upgrades that are based on new product evolutions and the in-depth product knowledge that only an OEM can provide.
As our historic agreement with First Wind clearly illustrates, there is a growing demand across the wind industry for flexible service solutions that enable wind projects to perform at optimal levels of efficiency and availability, said Diarmaid Mulholland, general manager of wind services for GE Power & Water. Our comprehensive portfolio of wind services has been specifically designed to meet those critical needs of our customers.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the worlds toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE EnergyGE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gaswork together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.
GEs agreement with First Wind will include operations, parts and on-site support including a comprehensive maintenance package. First Wind will benefit from GEs latest high tech offerings, including WindBOOST, designed to increase wind turbine production; Winter Ice Operations Mode, which can allow turbines to recapture production in colder climates; and a full service agreement on wind turbine drive trains with the goal of increasing reliability and performance. GE also will provide an availability guarantee at First Winds wind sites in Maine, Utah and Hawaii. GEs 1.5 megawatt (MW) machine is the most widely deployed wind turbine in the world, with more than 15,000 units installed globally.
GE is focused on improving the performance of our installed base of 1.5 MW turbines. We believe this long term service agreement with GE will help us to optimize annual energy production and reduce the overall cost of electricity, both key factors for success in todays challenging wind energy industry, said Michael Alvarez, president and chief financial officer of First Wind. The agreement with GE ensures the availability and reliability of our wind turbines, and the drive train maintenance package will provide us with long term asset management coverage.
GEs wind service solutions are supported by the companys advanced technology, global resources and service facilities, and a network of skilled, highly trained local technicians who are closely connected to GEs engineering organization. GE service agreements also give customers access to GEs suite of turbine upgrades that are based on new product evolutions and the in-depth product knowledge that only an OEM can provide.
As our historic agreement with First Wind clearly illustrates, there is a growing demand across the wind industry for flexible service solutions that enable wind projects to perform at optimal levels of efficiency and availability, said Diarmaid Mulholland, general manager of wind services for GE Power & Water. Our comprehensive portfolio of wind services has been specifically designed to meet those critical needs of our customers.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the worlds toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE EnergyGE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gaswork together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Clayton council to get first-hand experience on turbine noise levels
The Town Council — which vowed last month to put a stricter cap on commercial wind turbine noise levels, currently set at 50 decibels — plans to get some first-hand experience with the issue soon.
“The board members want to get a handle on what 50 decibels is. I want to hear 30-, 40-, 50-decibel sounds inside a room, outside in the open and from 15 feet away in a house,” Councilman Christopher D. Matthews said.
The plan is to first have acoustic experts help the council understand how loud various sound levels are in different settings locally and then schedule a field trip to Iberdrola Renewables’ Hardscrabble Wind Farm in Herkimer County.
Supervisor Justin A. Taylor said the council chose Hardscrabble over Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County because the turbine heights, blade configurations and specs of the Herkimer County project are similar to those in the suspended application for the Horse Creek Wind Farm in Clayton.
Read the entire article
“The board members want to get a handle on what 50 decibels is. I want to hear 30-, 40-, 50-decibel sounds inside a room, outside in the open and from 15 feet away in a house,” Councilman Christopher D. Matthews said.
The plan is to first have acoustic experts help the council understand how loud various sound levels are in different settings locally and then schedule a field trip to Iberdrola Renewables’ Hardscrabble Wind Farm in Herkimer County.
Supervisor Justin A. Taylor said the council chose Hardscrabble over Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lewis County because the turbine heights, blade configurations and specs of the Herkimer County project are similar to those in the suspended application for the Horse Creek Wind Farm in Clayton.
Read the entire article
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Residents in wind-turbine shadows seek noise, other relief
Fairfield, N.Y. — It’s nothing but misery.
That’s the assessment of town of Fairfield resident Monique Consolazio, who lives in the shadow of two of the towering wind turbines making up the Hardscrabble Wind Project.
Hers is a plight shared by many who have lodged complaints against the global giant Iberdrola Renewables, based in Spain.
Davis Road resident James Salamone and his wife, June, are among others calling in complaints about noise, TV interference and light flickers since the turbines came online in late February.
Salamone has compared the loudest noises generated by the turbines to the take-off of a fighter jet. “It’s like living within 50 yards of an Air Force base,” he said recently. “It doesn’t matter if the windows are closed or not.”
He continued, “I don’t know how long my wife and I can stand it. It’s on and off. You can never get used to it.”
Consolazio also compared the loudest noises to aircraft.
The alleged the sound can be like a “jumbo jet hovering over your house.”
Depending on the weather, the wind speed and the direction in which the turbine is turned, she said the turbines can also sound like an approaching giant, “Shazoom-bang;” a prolonged swooshing sound or nothing at all.
Between the noise issues and the unpleasant lighting effects, some residents have packed up and left town. Salamone’s daughter, who formerly lived with her family in another Davis Road residence, is among them.
In connection with the noise complaints, the company recently completed sound-level monitoring at several targeted locations in the rural community.
As noted in the June 24 study summary issued to Iberdrola company officials Michael Clayton, Neil Habig and Scott McDonald, the testing was conducted by CH2M Hill in order to “assess if the sound levels attributable to the project complied with the project limit of 50 dBA [decibels].”
Engineer Mark Bastasch, who drew up the summary, maintains that while the overall measured level at times exceeded the maximum allowed 50 dBA, those incidents “corresponded to periods of extreme winds and were not attributable to the project.”
He claimed that under extremely windy conditions, “the wind-induced noise and tree rustling is a contributing or dominate factor. As such, these events are not representative of a sound level attributable to the project. Outside of these limited high-wind events, the monitoring results do not indicated that the measured sound-level attributable to the project exceeds 50 dBA.”
Town officials are expected to hold a special public meeting at the Fairfield Community Hall on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m., in order to address the company’s study.
Among those expected to be present that evening include an attorney hired by the town to deal with the turbine-related issues, an expert who’s been looking at the company’s sound-study data and town officials, who are expected to proceed with a separate study of their own in order to “make sure [Iberdrola’s] numbers are correct,” said town Supervisor Richard Souza.
He said the meeting date was based, in part, on the availability of the expert to meet with the town council and had nothing to do with the Sept. 13 primary election between Souza and Henry Crofoot. Both are Republicans seeking the town supervisor’s post.
Citing the results of a preliminary sound study, conducted in 2008 before the wind farm project was approved, Salamone questioned the need for a third study.
In his view, the wind turbine operation exceeds allowed sound levels when combined with pre-project ambient noise levels at test sites on Davis Road.
An Iberdrola company spokesperson contacted late last week did not respond with a comment prior to press time.
Souza said the town’s test is needed because the first was based on a model — and projected data.
As noted in the June 5, 2008, cover letter addressed to town of Fairfield officials by URS company official James P. Cowan and dealing with the Hardscrabble Wind Farm noise evaluation for Davis Road, Cowan noted the noise monitoring and modeling was conducted with the goal of “assisting [town officials] in evaluating the potential noise impact of the proposed [wind power] facility” on behalf of a Davis Road resident with noise sensitivities.
Souza said the town’s test would be conducted in November or December after the foliage is gone in order to give all parties concerned a better idea of the problem.
The study recently concluded by Iberdrola and the proposed study to be undertaken for the town would both be based on actual noise-level data.
Neither the Salamones nor Consolazio believe it’s realistic to hope Iberdrola will move the problem turbines from the areas around their homes. Both, however, are hopeful that measures can be taken to mitigate noise levels by taking the turbines out of service during windy conditions, for example.
In the meantime, the wind turbines have pitted neighbor against neighbor: Long-struggling farmers and other property owners generating revenue from the turbines have benefited from the project, and less fortunate residents — those who have reaped neither income, reductions in utility costs or tax relief — feel they’ve been unjustly treated by a company with deep pockets, a lot of legal and political clout, and time to wait them out.
That’s the assessment of town of Fairfield resident Monique Consolazio, who lives in the shadow of two of the towering wind turbines making up the Hardscrabble Wind Project.
Hers is a plight shared by many who have lodged complaints against the global giant Iberdrola Renewables, based in Spain.
Davis Road resident James Salamone and his wife, June, are among others calling in complaints about noise, TV interference and light flickers since the turbines came online in late February.
Salamone has compared the loudest noises generated by the turbines to the take-off of a fighter jet. “It’s like living within 50 yards of an Air Force base,” he said recently. “It doesn’t matter if the windows are closed or not.”
He continued, “I don’t know how long my wife and I can stand it. It’s on and off. You can never get used to it.”
Consolazio also compared the loudest noises to aircraft.
The alleged the sound can be like a “jumbo jet hovering over your house.”
Depending on the weather, the wind speed and the direction in which the turbine is turned, she said the turbines can also sound like an approaching giant, “Shazoom-bang;” a prolonged swooshing sound or nothing at all.
Between the noise issues and the unpleasant lighting effects, some residents have packed up and left town. Salamone’s daughter, who formerly lived with her family in another Davis Road residence, is among them.
In connection with the noise complaints, the company recently completed sound-level monitoring at several targeted locations in the rural community.
As noted in the June 24 study summary issued to Iberdrola company officials Michael Clayton, Neil Habig and Scott McDonald, the testing was conducted by CH2M Hill in order to “assess if the sound levels attributable to the project complied with the project limit of 50 dBA [decibels].”
Engineer Mark Bastasch, who drew up the summary, maintains that while the overall measured level at times exceeded the maximum allowed 50 dBA, those incidents “corresponded to periods of extreme winds and were not attributable to the project.”
He claimed that under extremely windy conditions, “the wind-induced noise and tree rustling is a contributing or dominate factor. As such, these events are not representative of a sound level attributable to the project. Outside of these limited high-wind events, the monitoring results do not indicated that the measured sound-level attributable to the project exceeds 50 dBA.”
Town officials are expected to hold a special public meeting at the Fairfield Community Hall on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 6 p.m., in order to address the company’s study.
Among those expected to be present that evening include an attorney hired by the town to deal with the turbine-related issues, an expert who’s been looking at the company’s sound-study data and town officials, who are expected to proceed with a separate study of their own in order to “make sure [Iberdrola’s] numbers are correct,” said town Supervisor Richard Souza.
He said the meeting date was based, in part, on the availability of the expert to meet with the town council and had nothing to do with the Sept. 13 primary election between Souza and Henry Crofoot. Both are Republicans seeking the town supervisor’s post.
Citing the results of a preliminary sound study, conducted in 2008 before the wind farm project was approved, Salamone questioned the need for a third study.
In his view, the wind turbine operation exceeds allowed sound levels when combined with pre-project ambient noise levels at test sites on Davis Road.
An Iberdrola company spokesperson contacted late last week did not respond with a comment prior to press time.
Souza said the town’s test is needed because the first was based on a model — and projected data.
As noted in the June 5, 2008, cover letter addressed to town of Fairfield officials by URS company official James P. Cowan and dealing with the Hardscrabble Wind Farm noise evaluation for Davis Road, Cowan noted the noise monitoring and modeling was conducted with the goal of “assisting [town officials] in evaluating the potential noise impact of the proposed [wind power] facility” on behalf of a Davis Road resident with noise sensitivities.
Souza said the town’s test would be conducted in November or December after the foliage is gone in order to give all parties concerned a better idea of the problem.
The study recently concluded by Iberdrola and the proposed study to be undertaken for the town would both be based on actual noise-level data.
Neither the Salamones nor Consolazio believe it’s realistic to hope Iberdrola will move the problem turbines from the areas around their homes. Both, however, are hopeful that measures can be taken to mitigate noise levels by taking the turbines out of service during windy conditions, for example.
In the meantime, the wind turbines have pitted neighbor against neighbor: Long-struggling farmers and other property owners generating revenue from the turbines have benefited from the project, and less fortunate residents — those who have reaped neither income, reductions in utility costs or tax relief — feel they’ve been unjustly treated by a company with deep pockets, a lot of legal and political clout, and time to wait them out.
Monday, September 05, 2011
Article X’ – Siting of Energy Facilities
To: Castile Town Board
SUBJECT: ‘Article X’ – Siting of Energy Facilities
Loss of Home Rule to Town of Castile & all NYS municipalities
Support of ”Coalition On Article X” (www.coaxny.org)
Dear Supervisor Gozelski, Councilpersons Klein, Tarbell, Little & Monteleone,
I'd like to thank the Town Board for allowing me this opportunity for public comment. I am here before the Board this evening as a follow-up to the letter I sent you via e-mail -- the hard copy of which I am handing in tonight to be a part of public record.
As you are aware, New York State has stripped us of municipal "Home Rule" regarding the siting of energy facilities due to the recent passing of ‘Article X’ – newly renamed the “Power NY Act”. Our grassroots Coalition On ‘Article X’ was formed, and is gaining state-wide recognition and membership for one purpose -- to retain "HOME RULE"!
I would like to publicly thank regional Assemblyman, Dan Burling, and Genesee County's Senator Michael Razenhofer -- along with all NYS legislators who had the guts to speak out against this blatant Power Grab by Albany -- for taking a stand for all NYS towns & counties, by voting against the "Power NY Act".
Only a few short years ago, this Board was united in opposing the proposed, foreign-owned industrial wind installation within our township. If 'Article X' had been in effect at that time, your voices, and those of the taxpayers you represent, would have been silenced. This move by Albany has stripped us of all control of our own destiny, and instead, given a free pass to these multi-national corporate developers to rape us for our resources.
In these uncertain economic times when we are expected to receive less & less State & Federal support, it is totally unacceptable that we should be forced by “Big Brother” to surrender our municipalities' Constitutionally appointed planning and zoning rights. Clearly, our municipal governments at the County & Town levels are under attack by Albany.
I believe that we MUST stand up and speak out against the blatant theft of our freedoms if we wish to leave any semblance of those freedoms for our children and grandchildren to enjoy! It is for that reason that I have approached the Board this evening -- to ask that you join the efforts of our state-wide "Coalition On Article X", which has already been joined by many other elected and appointed officials from across New York State, by developing and passing a resolution that sends a clear message to Albany that we support municipal "Home Rule", and oppose 'Article X'. All who support “Home Rule” are encouraged to join our efforts.
Again, thank you very much for this opportunity to address the Board, and THANK YOU for all you do to protect all of our freedoms!
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Kay Barton, COAX member
Coalition On Article X www.coaxny.org
SUBJECT: ‘Article X’ – Siting of Energy Facilities
Loss of Home Rule to Town of Castile & all NYS municipalities
Support of ”Coalition On Article X” (www.coaxny.org)
Dear Supervisor Gozelski, Councilpersons Klein, Tarbell, Little & Monteleone,
I'd like to thank the Town Board for allowing me this opportunity for public comment. I am here before the Board this evening as a follow-up to the letter I sent you via e-mail -- the hard copy of which I am handing in tonight to be a part of public record.
As you are aware, New York State has stripped us of municipal "Home Rule" regarding the siting of energy facilities due to the recent passing of ‘Article X’ – newly renamed the “Power NY Act”. Our grassroots Coalition On ‘Article X’ was formed, and is gaining state-wide recognition and membership for one purpose -- to retain "HOME RULE"!
I would like to publicly thank regional Assemblyman, Dan Burling, and Genesee County's Senator Michael Razenhofer -- along with all NYS legislators who had the guts to speak out against this blatant Power Grab by Albany -- for taking a stand for all NYS towns & counties, by voting against the "Power NY Act".
Only a few short years ago, this Board was united in opposing the proposed, foreign-owned industrial wind installation within our township. If 'Article X' had been in effect at that time, your voices, and those of the taxpayers you represent, would have been silenced. This move by Albany has stripped us of all control of our own destiny, and instead, given a free pass to these multi-national corporate developers to rape us for our resources.
In these uncertain economic times when we are expected to receive less & less State & Federal support, it is totally unacceptable that we should be forced by “Big Brother” to surrender our municipalities' Constitutionally appointed planning and zoning rights. Clearly, our municipal governments at the County & Town levels are under attack by Albany.
I believe that we MUST stand up and speak out against the blatant theft of our freedoms if we wish to leave any semblance of those freedoms for our children and grandchildren to enjoy! It is for that reason that I have approached the Board this evening -- to ask that you join the efforts of our state-wide "Coalition On Article X", which has already been joined by many other elected and appointed officials from across New York State, by developing and passing a resolution that sends a clear message to Albany that we support municipal "Home Rule", and oppose 'Article X'. All who support “Home Rule” are encouraged to join our efforts.
Again, thank you very much for this opportunity to address the Board, and THANK YOU for all you do to protect all of our freedoms!
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Kay Barton, COAX member
Coalition On Article X www.coaxny.org
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Windfarms: about the 2 km setback adopted in the state of Victoria, Australia
Dear Editor,
The "truth about wind farming" in this state is that it is making some adjoining neighbours to wind developments in Victoria seriously unwell, forcing some families out of their homes and off their multigenerational farms. Others are literally trapped in homes becoming increasingly unwell, and are unable to sell, or move. Turbine hosts and their families have also been adversely affected, but their contracts restrict them from talking publicly. Some are now privately contacting us for advice and information.
These problems are not new - they were first described by Toora Rural GP and Local Medical Officer for the South Gippsland Board of Health, Dr David Iser in 2004. Dr Iser conducted a small study on his patient population, after some of his longstanding patients became seriously unwell after the start up of the Toora Wind Development. His results were identical to those of UK Rural GP, Dr Amanda Harry, in her study. He made his concerns known to the then Victorian Health authorities, and politicians including the then Premier, Mr Bracks, and called for more research.
He was ignored, as has every other Clinical Whistleblower globally about this issue since. There are Medical Practitioners and Acousticians from the UK, from Europe, from Canada, the USA and Australia who are trying to alert authorities to this growing public health problem in their respective countries, which is completely preventable with safer siting based on proper independent acoustic and medical research. This research has not yet been done. The Waubra Foundation was established in 2010, to advocate for such research.
Finally, a government Planning Minister has listened to these growing concerns of rural residents. On the basis of our Australian field observations where neighbours are reporting sleep and body vibrations in conjunction with turbine operation up to 10km from the nearest turbine, this setback is not far enough to protect adjoining residents, but it is a good start.
This is timely, as a court decision in Ontario has recently found that there are indeed adverse health problems with wind turbines, and there is a need for research. The relevant quote from the judgement and the reference are cited below.
When this research is done, it will help everybody, including particularly the wind industry, to proceed with safe siting of wind turbines in the knowledge that they will indeed be good neighbours, not to mention good corporate citizens. If there truly is "no health problem" as so many wind developers assert, despite some even publicly admitting otherwise, then the research will indeed show that.
In the meantime, the National Health and Medical Research Council have advocated adopting a "precautionary approach", which is exactly what Minister Guy and his government are doing.
Dr Sarah Laurie, Medical Director, Waubra Foundation
www.waubrafoundation.com.au
The "truth about wind farming" in this state is that it is making some adjoining neighbours to wind developments in Victoria seriously unwell, forcing some families out of their homes and off their multigenerational farms. Others are literally trapped in homes becoming increasingly unwell, and are unable to sell, or move. Turbine hosts and their families have also been adversely affected, but their contracts restrict them from talking publicly. Some are now privately contacting us for advice and information.
These problems are not new - they were first described by Toora Rural GP and Local Medical Officer for the South Gippsland Board of Health, Dr David Iser in 2004. Dr Iser conducted a small study on his patient population, after some of his longstanding patients became seriously unwell after the start up of the Toora Wind Development. His results were identical to those of UK Rural GP, Dr Amanda Harry, in her study. He made his concerns known to the then Victorian Health authorities, and politicians including the then Premier, Mr Bracks, and called for more research.
He was ignored, as has every other Clinical Whistleblower globally about this issue since. There are Medical Practitioners and Acousticians from the UK, from Europe, from Canada, the USA and Australia who are trying to alert authorities to this growing public health problem in their respective countries, which is completely preventable with safer siting based on proper independent acoustic and medical research. This research has not yet been done. The Waubra Foundation was established in 2010, to advocate for such research.
Finally, a government Planning Minister has listened to these growing concerns of rural residents. On the basis of our Australian field observations where neighbours are reporting sleep and body vibrations in conjunction with turbine operation up to 10km from the nearest turbine, this setback is not far enough to protect adjoining residents, but it is a good start.
This is timely, as a court decision in Ontario has recently found that there are indeed adverse health problems with wind turbines, and there is a need for research. The relevant quote from the judgement and the reference are cited below.
When this research is done, it will help everybody, including particularly the wind industry, to proceed with safe siting of wind turbines in the knowledge that they will indeed be good neighbours, not to mention good corporate citizens. If there truly is "no health problem" as so many wind developers assert, despite some even publicly admitting otherwise, then the research will indeed show that.
In the meantime, the National Health and Medical Research Council have advocated adopting a "precautionary approach", which is exactly what Minister Guy and his government are doing.
Dr Sarah Laurie, Medical Director, Waubra Foundation
www.waubrafoundation.com.au
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Board Votes For Turbines
ALLEGANY — Four years of community protest against a wind turbine farm in the Chipmonk and Knapp Creek areas were overlooked Monday when the Allegany Town Board voted 4 to 1 in favor of allowing the project to proceed.
Votes in favor of the wind overlay district, which allows the 29-wind turbine farm to be constructed by EverPower Wind Holdings Inc., were cast by Town Supervisor Patrick Eaton and town board members John Hare, Hans Sendlakowski and Ray Jonak. The lone vote against the project came from board member Jim Hitchcock. Several people applauded and thanked Mr. Hitchcock after he cast his vote.
The vote came after an hour-long rally attended by hundreds of protesters in front of the Allegany Senior Center. They held signs such as “RIP Allegany, 5 in a Room to Decide Her Fate,” and “Mr. Eaton, Too Bad You Won’t Be On The Town Board To Spend This Blood Money Come November.” They also chanted “vote no” and listened to a song about wind turbines by Barbara Dyskant. The group heard from town of Howard residents Donna Marmuscak and Jerry Hedman who said a 29-wind turbine farm is currently being constructed by EverPower in their community. Ms. Marmuscak said her community also fought against the project to no avail.
After the vote, rally organizer, Kathy Boser, said they had expected this outcome because the “writing was on the wall.”
Votes in favor of the wind overlay district, which allows the 29-wind turbine farm to be constructed by EverPower Wind Holdings Inc., were cast by Town Supervisor Patrick Eaton and town board members John Hare, Hans Sendlakowski and Ray Jonak. The lone vote against the project came from board member Jim Hitchcock. Several people applauded and thanked Mr. Hitchcock after he cast his vote.
The vote came after an hour-long rally attended by hundreds of protesters in front of the Allegany Senior Center. They held signs such as “RIP Allegany, 5 in a Room to Decide Her Fate,” and “Mr. Eaton, Too Bad You Won’t Be On The Town Board To Spend This Blood Money Come November.” They also chanted “vote no” and listened to a song about wind turbines by Barbara Dyskant. The group heard from town of Howard residents Donna Marmuscak and Jerry Hedman who said a 29-wind turbine farm is currently being constructed by EverPower in their community. Ms. Marmuscak said her community also fought against the project to no avail.
After the vote, rally organizer, Kathy Boser, said they had expected this outcome because the “writing was on the wall.”
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
John Byrne appearance on the Sean Hannity radio program 8/29/11
Citizen action on Article X
COAX NY member and spokesman John Byrne represents the Citizen Power Alliance appearance on the Sean Hannity radio program 8/29/11 speaks on Article X – Power NY Act
http://batr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CPA-Sean-Hannity-82911.mp3
COAX NY member and spokesman John Byrne represents the Citizen Power Alliance appearance on the Sean Hannity radio program 8/29/11 speaks on Article X – Power NY Act
http://batr.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CPA-Sean-Hannity-82911.mp3
Power Authority Loses Gusto For Rockaways Wind Farm
A proposal to build an offshore wind farm at the Rockaways in Queens is mired by delays and is now on the back burner. NY1's Courtney Gross filed the following exclusive report.
Fifteen miles off the coast in the Rockaways in Queens, state and city officials once planned to dot the skyline with wind turbines.
First announced in 2008 and endorsed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the massive offshore wind farm was set to start spinning by 2015. Currently, it is sputtering.
Jonathan Foster, the vice chairman of the New York Power Authority, whose chief executive officer just resigned, said the project is not at the top of the agency's priority list.
"At this point, with our leadership somewhat in flux and having also announced two other major projects, the Hudson Transmission Project and also Recharge New York, we've got a full plate," said Foster.
It has been more than a year since the Power Authority got approval to apply for a federal lease on the ocean floor, but they have yet to apply.
The authority also just withdrew a key application with the state's independent power operator.
A spokesperson could not give a timeline for the project and called the application premature, and said environmental and economic studies are ongoing.
Large-scale offshore wind projects have had trouble gaining traction in the United States. Advocates say it has mostly to do with economics and a lack of enthusiasm for wind power.
"It's more expensive, yes, because it hasn't been tried," said Kit Kennedy of the Natural Resources Defense Council. "But again, you need to put these projects in. You need to get the experience and then the cost comes down."
An economic analysis found it would cost between $2.3 billion and $4.7 billion. The initial plan envisioned an offshore farm between 350 MW, or 97 turbines, and 750 MW, or 194 turbines.
Rockaways officials are still trying to get the project back on course.
"I am going to be communicating with the new head of the Power Authority, when we get a clear understanding of who that is, and try to push this idea," said Queens Senator Malcolm Smith. "This is not just for the Rockaways. This is for something that is going to impact the entire city and the entire state."
For now, the idea is staying on dry land.
Fifteen miles off the coast in the Rockaways in Queens, state and city officials once planned to dot the skyline with wind turbines.
First announced in 2008 and endorsed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the massive offshore wind farm was set to start spinning by 2015. Currently, it is sputtering.
Jonathan Foster, the vice chairman of the New York Power Authority, whose chief executive officer just resigned, said the project is not at the top of the agency's priority list.
"At this point, with our leadership somewhat in flux and having also announced two other major projects, the Hudson Transmission Project and also Recharge New York, we've got a full plate," said Foster.
It has been more than a year since the Power Authority got approval to apply for a federal lease on the ocean floor, but they have yet to apply.
The authority also just withdrew a key application with the state's independent power operator.
A spokesperson could not give a timeline for the project and called the application premature, and said environmental and economic studies are ongoing.
Large-scale offshore wind projects have had trouble gaining traction in the United States. Advocates say it has mostly to do with economics and a lack of enthusiasm for wind power.
"It's more expensive, yes, because it hasn't been tried," said Kit Kennedy of the Natural Resources Defense Council. "But again, you need to put these projects in. You need to get the experience and then the cost comes down."
An economic analysis found it would cost between $2.3 billion and $4.7 billion. The initial plan envisioned an offshore farm between 350 MW, or 97 turbines, and 750 MW, or 194 turbines.
Rockaways officials are still trying to get the project back on course.
"I am going to be communicating with the new head of the Power Authority, when we get a clear understanding of who that is, and try to push this idea," said Queens Senator Malcolm Smith. "This is not just for the Rockaways. This is for something that is going to impact the entire city and the entire state."
For now, the idea is staying on dry land.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Palmer response to Congressman Reed
Name: Arnold Palmer
Address: 11802 Stanton Road,
Prattsburgh, NY 14512 9319
Email: apalmer@rochester.rr.nyTelephone: 585.739.1015 Voice
Issue: EN
Message Subject: Your 8/25/11 response to Jim Hall, CPA Group, re wind power
Message Text:
In your 8/25/11 response to Jim Hall of the CPA Group, you wrote "First and foremost, we must remove ourselves from dependence on foreign oil. This is not only an economic issue but a national security concern as well. In the short term we must develop sources of domestic energy to assist in removing the necessity of foreign oil." Surely you realize that because of the irratic nature of wind as an energy source, particular in NYS's southern tier, state and federal law requires that anytime a wind source is brought on line, a conventional coal or oil powered power generation facility must be spooled up and remain on standby to take up the inevitable slack when the wind source throughput vacilates. That means that wind farms do not, in any way, limit our dependence on foreign oil - in fact, the opposite becomes true with a 2X factor. Of course, because the wind in our area is only strong at night in the winter, the Cohocton site is seldom, if ever, on line. Ask the leaseholders who aren't being paid because the turbines do not run enough to meet the lease minimum for payment. In Steuben County, and most other areas, the only thing green about wind projects are the accelerated investment tax credits paid to the wind farm developers by the federal government. It's clear that you've never taken a tour of the Cohocton wind farm and spoken first hand to the people who have 400+ foot wind turbines a few feet from their homes. BTW, let Jim Hall or a local resident conduct/accompany your visit, not just the wind developer. Thanks for your time and attention. PS: Stop by my place sometime. You can see all 42 of the turbines from a single location.
..
Address: 11802 Stanton Road,
Prattsburgh, NY 14512 9319
Email: apalmer@rochester.rr.nyTelephone: 585.739.1015 Voice
Issue: EN
Message Subject: Your 8/25/11 response to Jim Hall, CPA Group, re wind power
Message Text:
In your 8/25/11 response to Jim Hall of the CPA Group, you wrote "First and foremost, we must remove ourselves from dependence on foreign oil. This is not only an economic issue but a national security concern as well. In the short term we must develop sources of domestic energy to assist in removing the necessity of foreign oil." Surely you realize that because of the irratic nature of wind as an energy source, particular in NYS's southern tier, state and federal law requires that anytime a wind source is brought on line, a conventional coal or oil powered power generation facility must be spooled up and remain on standby to take up the inevitable slack when the wind source throughput vacilates. That means that wind farms do not, in any way, limit our dependence on foreign oil - in fact, the opposite becomes true with a 2X factor. Of course, because the wind in our area is only strong at night in the winter, the Cohocton site is seldom, if ever, on line. Ask the leaseholders who aren't being paid because the turbines do not run enough to meet the lease minimum for payment. In Steuben County, and most other areas, the only thing green about wind projects are the accelerated investment tax credits paid to the wind farm developers by the federal government. It's clear that you've never taken a tour of the Cohocton wind farm and spoken first hand to the people who have 400+ foot wind turbines a few feet from their homes. BTW, let Jim Hall or a local resident conduct/accompany your visit, not just the wind developer. Thanks for your time and attention. PS: Stop by my place sometime. You can see all 42 of the turbines from a single location.
..
Decision Time In Allegany
If Allegany Town Board members cast votes on Monday that allow a 29-wind turbine farm to be built in the hills of Knapp Creek and Chipmonk, officials in the neighboring town of Carrollton will have to decide on a road-use agreement for the transport of materials.
The historic vote, which has the potential to change the face of the area landscape, will take place at the 7 p.m. meeting Monday at the Allegany Senior Center on Birch Run Road. The town board will vote on the wind overlay district for the proposed wind farm. If the board votes “yes” on the proposal, the wind farm project will be approved.
The historic vote, which has the potential to change the face of the area landscape, will take place at the 7 p.m. meeting Monday at the Allegany Senior Center on Birch Run Road. The town board will vote on the wind overlay district for the proposed wind farm. If the board votes “yes” on the proposal, the wind farm project will be approved.
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