California Wind Power’s Dirty Little Secret
January 2, 2008 on 11:48 am | In Ecosystem, Endangered |During the 1980’s wind turbines starting appearing in Northern California. They ushered in a new direction in renewable energy and offered a way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. With that they are seen as a weapon in the battle against global warming. But the fast spinning turbines have a darker side: birds fly through them and are massacred by the fast spinning blades. Birds that include endangered species like the Golden Eagle.
There was an agreement reached that promised to reduce deaths of raptor species by 50 percent within three years. It also called for the shutdown or relocation of the 300 most lethal windmills at Altamont (there are approximately 5,000 total). But the review committee appointed to monitor this situation says they plan is not on course for this reduction and is calling for more shutdowns or relocations.
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Everyone knows that it is possible to make a wind generator with a wire shield to protect the birds. If they want to line their pockets with money from the wind power generators, they must spend the money to do it safely. If they can’t make money doing things the right way, then stay out of the business. They are insisting on using the earlier generations or the least costly applications when there is a correct and safe way to generate power from the wind. We are all held responsible for our actions so why should these people be above the law?
Comment by Clay Mohr — February 13, 2008 #