Archive for Renewable Energy
Everyone Knows It’s Windy
by John Weckerle
(Editor’s Note: Your editor has made much of his living over the last couple of decades in the area of assessing environmental impacts of various projects and programs. He has worked both sides of the fence in this area, and has worked and continues to work with Federal agencies preparing National Environmental Policy Act documents and providing support for compliance with this law. He supports the appropriate use of renewable energy, has done work with clients in both the renewable energy and green building industries, and is a member of the New Mexico Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.)
The winds of change are blowing strong – and the breeze of discourse has reached gale force, at least in the editorial pages of recent editions of The Independent. From opponents of unrestricted windmill construction expressing outrage to windmill advocates indulging in a little name-calling as they attempt to make their point, it seems likely that the Spring winds normally scheduled for March are starting early and roaring across the plain, or at least the publications serving it, giving us the opportunity to take a metaphor and whip it to death like a flag in a tornado.
First, let us be clear: this subject is very complex and very important, and it is important that we conduct the discourse seriously, with a willingness to consider all factors, and with respect for those with whom we may disagree on the subject. The discussion has already taken at least one unfortunate turn where that is concerned – we refer to the letter by Douglas Mercer in the January 4 issue of The Independent, in which Mr. Mercer characterizes the objections of Tim Oden (letter opposing windmills in the January 28 edition) as “outdated and antiquated” and “the very sort of shallow consideration “attitude” that has gotten our country into the trouble it’s in today.” Mr. Mercer then goes on to blithely dismiss the potential effects of windmills on visual resources and property values – issues of great importance to local residents and property owners – as irrelevant. Shallow is as shallow does, we suppose, but we encourage a more comprehensive consideration of the subject by all parties.
The fact that Mr. Mercer believes residential wind power generation is more important than socioeconomic factors and that Mr. Oden places more value on the latter points out a crucial need to address a broad spectrum of issues. As before, we recommend development of a comprehensive study of the relevant issues, including socioeconomics, and analysis of reasonable alternatives by QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS as a precursor to any development of a plan, strategy, or ordinance to bring Edgewood into the renewable energy age. We concede the point that windmills have many beneficial attributes, providing a renewable and relatively “clean” source of energy that can be adapted to both centralized and distributed energy production. However, there are other issues to consider. Let’s take a brief look at a few of the relevant factors. »» Everyone Knows It’s Windy
To Spin In the Wind … Or Not
by Chuck Ring (GadAbout-BlogAlot ©2008)
Quote Freely From the Article — Leave The Pseudonym Alone
Fresh off of $4.00 a gallon gas, some folks in New Mexico still question the wisdom of wind generated power. The questioning comes from many points of observation, but the three main objections seem to be:
- the giant turbines will spoil my or our view
- the low-level noise will disturb or harm those (human and animal) in close proximity
- the energy produced will be utilized outside the State of New Mexico
The newest proposed wind farm in the state is being considered for San Miguel County. If final approval is given, the wind farm will be located on 7063 acres of state land on the surface of a prominent mesa.
Hopefully, as New Mexico continues to sort itself out as one of the largest wind energy states (in overall wind energy produced) the ordinary citizens and energy producers can come to common ground that will satisfy all concerned and serve to move our nation toward energy independence (EI). Or, will EI just continue to be something we talk about, but never really move to accomplish.
Click on this colored text Spin The Turbine to read an article from The Santa Fe New Mexican, along with the mixed pro and con comments regarding this wind farm and wind driven energy in general.