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Wind Alert! 10-Nov-2017

News and information from The WindAction Group

facts, analysis, exposure of industrial wind energy's real impacts - www.windAction.org

Issue: 10-Nov-2017

WindAction EDITORIAL

GOP Tax Plan Resets Big Wind

Big wind’s complaint that the language reneges on a previous deal is entirely unfounded. The so-called ‘deal’  AWEA is trying to preserve … was a backroom negotiation between industry and Obama-era IRS lawyers to craft guidance that went well beyond the statute. Congress is finally taking corrective action. ...[T]he GOP... → MORE

Recent Articles

Stop subsidizing the Big Wind bullies

The biggest recipient of taxpayer cash on ACENY’s roster is the world’s biggest and most-litigious wind-energy producer: NextEra Energy ...NextEra is using some of that taxpayer cash to sue small towns including Hinton, Okla., and Almer and Ellington in Michigan. What did those tiny towns do to irritate the energy... → MORE

Possible wind farms divide Fulton County residents

People in Fulton County are divided about are divided about possible wind farms coming to town. Thursday night county commissioners held a public meeting to learn about the details of the plans. RES, a renewable energy company, is the company being considered to bring the turbines to town. They're working on... → MORE

Is the reputation of Scottish offshore wind on the line?

The document claims that ‘it has been widely assumed that the underlying costs of offshore wind are falling and that the CfD prices indicate a sudden paradigm for the technology’. Yet, the report points to statistical analysis of the data, covering 86 wind farms, which suggests that the capital cost of... → MORE

Montana now makes wind farms put up bonds to ensure towers are taken down

New rules will require big wind farm owners to post bonds with the state of Montana to ensure decommissioning including the removal of giant towers. Draft decommissioning rules were published Thursday by the state Department of Environmental Quality detailing the process and requirements. → MORE

Government steps in to stop new wind farm near Louth

In the inspector’s report, it was recommended the Department for Communities and Local Government throw out the application as damage to the heritage aspects of the area would not be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposed development. → MORE

Fury over 'outrageous' plan to erect wind farms on major First World War battlefield in France

France has been criticised over an “outrageous” plan to build a six-turbine wind farm on a First World War battlefield where thousands of British and Australian soldiers were killed. → MORE

Wind Energy Feels the Force of World Markets

For skeptics in the energy industry, it provides fuel for their old argument that renewables just don’t make enough money. But the change in fortunes more reflects a formerly niche industry that relied on government support for so long and is now having to fight its own corner against the... → MORE

Proposed wind farm stirs debate

Saliterman said that while the concerns of landowners in Faribault County are common when it comes to wind turbine installations, the amount of opposition for a project of this size is unusual. ...Saliterman believes the large pushback from landowners is due to misinformation being circulated via social media. → MORE

Controversial wind farm plans rejected

A bid to build a 12-turbine wind farm near Bonchester Bridge was rejected by councillors this week. ...the plans were thrown out, mainly because of their feared adverse effect on the landscape, properties and historic sites. → MORE

State regulators weigh possible penalty against wind developer in Hand County

“Don’t be playing in the dirt,” Hanson cautioned them, “until you get a permit.” ...The company moved dirt at several sites in Hand County during 2016, and did other work there too, all without the state energy-conversion permit required by South Dakota law. → MORE

Federal judge rules against wind developer

A federal judge recently dealt a blow to big wind development in a Tuscola County township. A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources sued Almer Township in U.S. District Court in February alleging that the township's Board of Trustees had systematically tried to prevent the development of a wind farm. → MORE

Draft of Fort Drum Joint Land Use Study offers ideas for managing wind turbine development

Among the recommendations in the 118-page report was for military officials to identify areas where wind turbines could pose a threat, to create a Regional Wind Energy Policy Steering Group to raise awareness of potential projects, to become an “Interested Party” on the state Siting Board and to coordinate with... → MORE

Voice of the People

This page contains three (3) separate letters submitted to the paper describing individual experiences with the operating wind turbines in the community → MORE

Turbine maker Siemens Gamesa to cut 6,000 jobs

The world’s second-largest maker of wind turbines announced the job cuts as it released disappointing earnings and a 2018 outlook that was below forecasts. “The guidance for next year is 14 per cent lower than the street had expected.” → MORE

Massive Xcel wind project draws criticism from PRC staff

The company says the project could save customers of Xcel subsidiary Southwest Public Service Co., about $2.8 billion in electric costs over 30 years by offsetting higher fuel costs from natural gas and other sources. But PRC utility staff say the projected savings aren’t guaranteed. T → MORE

Lazard's latest energy cost report draws mixed opinions on implications

Jim Carson, principal at the RisQuant Energy consultancy in St. Paul, Minnesota, said he does not trust the LCOE numbers, saying, "They explicitly ignore 'integration costs,' reliability value and externalities." The location value of generation -- where it is located, relative to load -- is also excluded for consideration, Carson said.... → MORE

Vestas shares take a dive in wake of new US initiative

The Danish wind turbine giant could run out of puff as a result of a new Republican tax proposal. → MORE

Massive Penshurst wind farm dropped

A plan to build a massive 223 turbine wind farm near Penshurst has been abandoned. → MORE

Group sides with resort on turbines

“Our committee has become concerned that the planned wind farm development off the coast of Ocean City, as currently conceived, could have a serious, negative impact on Ocean Pines Association property owners, as well as a majority of county residents and businesses,” Wolf said. “Our apprehension is based on certain... → MORE

Opposition to new industrial wind towers grows in Somerset County

Four area members of the Legislature have joined county commissioners in Somerset and Piscataquis counties in opposition to proposed industrial wind projects in the Moosehead Lake region as a threat to the area’s tourism-dependent economy. → MORE

Newly approved wind turbine sound rules leave many unhappy

MONTPELIER — The Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules accepted sound standards crafted by the Public Utilities Commission for wind turbines by a 5-2 vote. This rule-making initiative is a requirement of 2016’s Act 174 energy siting policy. → MORE

Property owners raise concerns after meeting on R-Project

Hines and Harms both reiterated that Fish and Wildlife could only make recommendations to NPPD, but that ultimately it was NPPD that decided the route for the transmission line. “We suggested two alternate routes that would have minimal environmental impact,” Harms said. “NPPD came back and said those routes wouldn’t work... → MORE

‘One way or another’; Expert predicts legal fight over wind turbines in county

A costly legal war over wind turbines in northern Lapeer County is such a sure bet that an insurance agent told the Burnside Township Board of Trustees Monday he won’t run the risk of writing an insurance policy for the municipality. ...“Now I know why I’m here,” Lansky told the... → MORE

Town set to dump $6.5M off its books; Bond money stems from wind turbine

With nearly 3,000 registered taxpayers casting ballots, the measure passed with 50.2 percent of the vote. While no windmill ever was constructed, the $6.5 million in potential borrowing has been hanging over the town’s head. As that vote reaches its seven-year anniversary, however, the town is ready to relinquish the burden. → MORE

Plans for a wind farm in Botetourt County delayed again

Apex Clean Energy will not start site work by the end of this year, as originally planned, on a project to build up to 25 giant, power-generating turbines on top of a Botetourt County mountain, a company official said Wednesday. → MORE

State regulators say no to Crocker Wind Farm

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission turned down an application Wednesday for a wind-energy complex proposed for Clark County. The regulatory panel voted 3-0 to reject Crocker Wind Farm. The project called for up to 200 turbines spread across more than 29,000 acres north of Clark. → MORE

Falmouth selectmen take no position on turbine intervention request

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Last week, The Green Center and a dozen citizens filed the motion asking to be allowed to intervene, even though the trial is over and a ruling has already been issued. In documents, they argue taxpayer interests had not been adequately protected by the town. → MORE

Sleepless Ayrshire woman driven to distraction and forced to sleep in her car thanks to windfarm row

Pat Spence is begging ScottishPower Renewables to do 'the decent thing' and buy her out of her home after she claims windfarm noise became unbearable. → MORE

Fourteenth complaint filed against Samsung wind turbine project for polluting water wells in Chatham-Kent

Fourteen Chatham area well owners have now filed water well interference complaints against the developers of a 34 turbine wind power project near their farms. The Council of Canadians is demanding work stop immediately on the North Kent One Wind project (owned by Samsung Energy and Pattern Energy) before more... → MORE

Wind ordinance review a slow process; Changes likely for local 'wind farm' law

“We were able to receive good input from both sides of the issue,” he said. “The process was a little slower than we expected, but time is not the issue. We just want to make sure we do it right and that’s what we’re trying to do.  → MORE

Wind farm which threatens to "fundamentally alter the character" of Nairn given green light

Those fighting the wind farm at Cairn Duhie, 1.5km south east of the village of Ferness, said it would destroy the stunning scenery and nature which attracts tourists, particularly the Dava Moors which has special landscape area (SLA) status and the Cairngorm National Park. → MORE

Minnesota examines wind energy siting and human health effects

The Minnesota Legislative Energy Commission in the Senate held a hearing on Wind Turbine Noise and Health Effects on Thursday, October 19, 2017. The hearing agenda, full audio and speaker submissions can be accessed here. → MORE

Could time run out to repair a fire damaged wind turbine in Harrogate?

If no electricity is produced by one of the turbines for a year it has to be removed, and the work to do this carried out within six months of this deadline due to the condition that is currently in place. The land this turbine was situated on would then... → MORE

Scituate Wind turbine to be tested again

David Dardi, who lives near the turbine and who had been keeping track of the turbine noise, said the turbine continued to “disrupt the sleep and adversely impact the lives and health of both my neighbors and myself.” ...Selectman Karen Canfield said she would support to curtail the use of... → MORE

Controversies run deep at wind energy public hearing

Editor's Note: This is a continuation of the story titled "Tempers Flare at Public Hearing on Wind Turbine Application" that ran in the Reporter on Oct.10. → MORE

Sandhills too pristine for wind turbines

The Sandhills are one of the world’s largest contiguous grasslands and the largest stabilized sand dune region. They are 11-percent groundwater derived wetlands. They provide crucial habitat to migratory birds. The Sandhills remain pristine and unaltered. They are unique and truly Nebraska’s finest natural resource. Most residents of the Sandhills, as... → MORE

Midcoast village residents join to oppose offshore wind project

"A couple of months ago there was a meeting held right here where I'd say over 200 fishermen came and voiced their concerns about this project overall and there was not a single voice of support." → MORE

Wind-farm moratorium now legally binding

For the second time in a month, the Ford County Board voted Monday night to place a moratorium on granting any future wind farm permits until the county’s permitting ordinance is  reviewed. Last month’s vote was taken without the specific action listed on the agenda for the meeting, so it was... → MORE

Exhibition Place wind turbine hasn't produced power since March

WindShare's own blog about the Exhibition Place turbine shows it has been plagued with problems over the past five years. The issues began after the turbine's main bearing was replaced in 2011. ...A series of what the operators called "cascading faults" took the turbine off line from the summer of... → MORE

Wind turbine testimony in Indiana focuses on rural zoning issues

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana should not regulate statewide zoning requirements for wind turbine development, those in the industry said Thursday, despite requests from Hoosiers who favor state controls to assure consistency. → MORE

Fire hits Dutch wind farm

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An explosion was  heard prior to the fire at the Dutch wind farm, Zeewolde, which is one of the country's largest; Two technicians were on the site when the accident happened.  → MORE

Osage Nation wins wind farm fight

The Denver Federal Appeals court, in a unanimous decision overturned a lower court ruling and said Enel Green, the owner of Osage Wind, had to obtain a mining permit in the construction of its wind farm in western Osage County, land controlled by the Osage Nation. → MORE

Recent Documents

Offshore wind strike prices: Behind the headlines

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The new report prepared by economics professor Gordon Hughes, a former advisor to World Bank, Dr Capell Aris, a fellow of the IET, and Dr John Constable of the Global Warming Policy Forum, explains how the broad assumption that offshore wind prices are falling is not valid. Through a detailed statistical... → MORE

ABC Responds to EDF Vista Mountain Wind proposal

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Attached to this page are two letters by the American Bird Conservancy sent to EDF Renewables in regard to EDF's proposed Vista Mountain wind project slated for Hamilton and Mills counties in Texas. The letters raise specific concerns with the impact of the turbines on the ecologically-sensitive Texas Hill Country/Cross Timbers Region... → MORE

Decision: Tuscola Wind III v Almer Township MI

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This important decision by US District Court Judge Thomas L. Ludington addresses two arguments proffered by the wind industry. The first relates to the industry's argument that noise standards for limiting turbine noise emissions that are based on Lmax are not reasonable. The second discusses the argument that restricitve ordinances, in this case... → MORE

Wind Turbine Syndrome: The Impact of Wind Farms on Suicide

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This new report examines how locations where industrial wind turbines were erected near residences experienced measurable upticks in suicide. The researcher identifies three indirect tests of the role of low-frequency noise exposure including those most vulnerable to the noise, prevailing wind direction and potental of greater noise impacts, and turbine noise resulting... → MORE

Rising Electricity Costs and Declining Employment in Ontario’s Manufacturing Sector

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This report by the Fraser Institute finds that Ontario’s Green Energy Act and its induced inefficiencies, have caused electricity prices to increase dramatically —now the highest in Canada—have cost the province an estimated 74,881 manufacturing jobs since the 2008 recession. High electricity prices are threatening industrial competitiveness, in particular that of... → MORE








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