A constituent just received a letter from Representative Dave Camp which states: 'H.R. 8, the American Taxpayer Relief Act, signed into law on January 2, included a one year extension of the wid Production Tax Credit through December 31, 2013. The House of Representatives did not take up legislation to extend the credit into next year before adjourning the 2013 legislative session.'
What this means, folks: PUT THE PRESSURE ON REPRESENTATIVE CAMP in a HUGE way starting on January 6, 2014!!!! If they just bulldoze that funding bill through, wind turbines will be funded again through 2014. If we can get the funding pulled, the project will stop.
Again, IF WE CAN GET THE FUNDING PULLED, THE PROJECT WILL STOP.
It is ONLY through our voices that the funding will be pulled. Call everyone you know and ask everyone to please e-mail Rep. Camp on Friday, January 3rd so he has all of this for January session. Please make it your New Year's resolution to ask 5 people to write their representative.
Thank you. Merry Christmas; Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
2013 recap and message!
Below is a recap of 2013 from Kevon Martis. I still can't believe so much has been accomplished in such a sort time. As you read the letter, please keep in mind that none of this would be possible without Kevon's efforts. Those of you who haven't met him, please watch one or two of his videos. Also, the sign in front of AWEA's headquarters tells you a lot about his commitment, and fighting style. He's not backing down to anyone. We are on the verge of turning things around at the state and possibly bringing an end to the project here in Clinton Co. The thing Kevon needs most right now is donations to the IICC to help cover his traveling expenses. I urge you to go to the www.iiccusa.org website and help in any way you can or contact me.
Thanks,
I wish you all a very merry and blessed Christmas.
Ken Wieber
Thanks,
I wish you all a very merry and blessed Christmas.
Ken Wieber
Dear IICC Supporters and interested observers:
Sorry I am so late with this update. But what a busy year!
Thinking back over the past 12 months, it is amazing the things we have accomplished together.
We attended nearly every Energy Forum in the state and brought informed speakers and testimony before the MPSC and MEO. http://www.youtube.com/watch?
I was able to present as a formal speaker in Traverse City. http://www.youtube.com/watch?
We picketed several Energy Forum events and handed out literature across the state and made our “Death Turbine” infamous! http://www.youtube.com/watch?
We strengthened our ties with our Ohio brethren, excluding college football J :
We picketed the AWEA in Columbus and East Lansing and got great press coverage for our efforts. http://www.mlive.com/business/
We assembled a team of expert witnesses who testified before both the Ohio House and Senate Public Utility Committees. Our written testimonies are here: http://www.
My video from that event is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Many thanks to Robert Rand, Lisa Linowes, Dr. Michael Giberson, Dr. George Taylor, Dr. Jay Lehr, Dan Simmons and James Fuscaldo, J.D. and ESPECIALLY Julie Johnson and Tom Stacy who worked tirelessly to put it all together.
And a huge thank you for everyone’s financial support that made this event possible!
Our efforts in Ohio elicited a sharp rebuke from Senator Seitz to AWEA’s Michael Goggin:
Senator Seitz is still working aggressively to roll back Ohio’s RPS law and is even considering bringing suit against their instate generation mandate personally. http://www.bizjournals.com/
I testified before the Michigan House Energy and Tech committee against PA295: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
James Fuscaldo and I testified before the MPSC with respect to the unconstitutional instate renewable energy mandate. http://iiccusa.org/
I submitted a 30 page response to the State’s Draft Report on Renewable Energy. It appears that not only did we help frame the debate, the majority of my suggestions were incorporated in the final report. http://miideas.dtmb.michigan.
And last week I returned from my trip to Washington DC where I was joined by Lisa Linowes from windaction.org as well as Tom Stacy from Ohio.
We were hosted by the Institute for Energy Research. We spoke before maybe 60 congressional staffers, the press and AWEA’s Michael Goggin.
Video of my testimony is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
I have video of the other presenters as well but have not had time to edit them. But their excellent written testimonies are here: Lisa Linowes- http://www.masterresource.org/
And I left a present at AWEA’s HQ-which then strangely disappeared J
Tom, Lisa and I were able to interact with many congressional staffers and several members of congress.
I attempted to meet with Rep. Dave Camp’s staffer Adam Pradko but he would not see me. That was disappointing. It is deeply disturbing to me that Rep. Camp will speak to AWEA but not speak to his constituents about wind energy. Neither will Rep. Camp share his video presentation from the East Lansing AWEA event with his Michigan constituents.
There is not as much support for extending the Wind Energy PTC as there was last year. But AWEA has deep pockets and they are everywhere- from Lansing to Columbus to DC. But this year-thanks to your support- IICC was right there with them!
Senator’s Lamar Alexander (R) and Joe Manchin (D) have signed a letter opposing the extension of the PTC.
Michigan Senators are MIA on this matter. You may want to forward this letter to them and ask why their name does not appear on it.
(The price of liberty is eternal vigilance…..but what a pain! J)
I have been contacted by another community in the Thumb asking for our support to adopt a safe wind energy ordinance. We will do all we can.
There are many legal actions taking place around the state. I do not have time to recount them all at this time.
But one major blow to Big Wind is that Consumer’s Energy’s Lakewinds project was found to be out of compliance with the county zoning ordinance and the county’s third party consultant determined that Tech Environmental’s Peter Guldberg had designed the plant in such a way that it would never comply with the ordinance in the first place. Jack Spencer of the Michigan Capitol Confidential covered it well here: http://www.
CMS Energy has appealed to the Mason County ZBA to overturn the zoning board’s unanimous decision that declared Lakewinds out of compliance. Let us hope the Mason County ZBA concurs with their own zoning board.
IF CMS loses at the ZBA we expect them to bring suit.
If CMS loses in court, their only apparent recourse would be to curtail the turbine operations to comply with the noise ordinance-which would be very expensive-or buy out the surrounding properties. Let us hope it is the latter. Or both!
Looking back over this list of events I realize there are so many people across Michigan and Ohio who helped us spread our message in so many ways.
And at a time when our federal government on both sides of the aisle seems so out of touch with the values of ordinary citizens, it is a real joy to be a tiny part of changing our state and nation for the better.
And better yet is the fact that we work together on these matters despite our different life experiences and party affiliations.
Many of us have sacrificed years of hard work in the battle for a sane energy policy. I am humbled to be numbered among you.
And I am humbled by the fact that when you folks hear of another community under threat, you stand prepared to fight again-even though that community may be hundreds of miles from your home.
Remember-you cannot be a NIMBY when you fight irresponsible wind development in someone else’s backyard! J
I am often asked about the status of renewable energy mandates in Michigan.
I do not believe the governor or legislature is interested in increasing a renewable energy mandate that results in far more wind turbines across the state.
They know that Michigan wind is expensive compared to our regional peers, the instate mandate is illegal and turbines are driving people from their homes while doing essentially no environmental good.
I have met only a couple legislators in Lansing that do not appear to understand that essential truth.
Finally:
We have done a lot with a little this year.
The truth is that we have only meager financial resources and little political clout. We cannot buy politicians or threaten to move voter blocks of hundreds of thousands of people.
All we have is truth and science on our side.
But I still believe that if we can continue to be clever, accurate and persistent with our arguments, we will change the world and stop the turbine madness.
From the bottom of my heart and on the behalf of the directors of the IICC: I wish you all health, peace, joy and justice for 2014.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah!
Kevon Martis
Director
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Please contact your representative
Powering Down the Wind Subsidy - from the Wall Street Journal:
The media are saying that the 113th Congress is on track to be "the least productive" on record—as if that's bad for the country. Let's hope gridlock lasts long enough to kill the crony capitalist special known as the wind production tax credit.
This subsidy that was supposed to be temporary is now 20 years old, providing a taxpayer gift to wind companies of 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour. The handout would cost $18 billion over the next five years. The good news is that it is due to expire on December 31 unless Congress acts to extend it, so House Republicans can accomplish something for taxpayers by doing nothing.
With more than 60,000 megawatts of generation in the U.S. and utility-scale projects in 39 states, wind-power producers are no longer an "infant industry." The Department of Energy says that wind power made up 43% of all newly constructed generation in 2012, surpassing even natural gas.
Much of this production is due to the tax credit, which is so generous relative to the wholesale price of electricity that it is distorting energy investment. The handout brings the cost of wind production to nearly zero, which means wind producers are at times paying grid operators to take their wind electricity. This is discouraging investment in other forms of energy, especially in the natural-gas electric generation that is required to back up intermittent wind production—and to keep the lights on as the Obama Administration tries to kill coal-fired power ...
Read the entire article here.
The media are saying that the 113th Congress is on track to be "the least productive" on record—as if that's bad for the country. Let's hope gridlock lasts long enough to kill the crony capitalist special known as the wind production tax credit.
This subsidy that was supposed to be temporary is now 20 years old, providing a taxpayer gift to wind companies of 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour. The handout would cost $18 billion over the next five years. The good news is that it is due to expire on December 31 unless Congress acts to extend it, so House Republicans can accomplish something for taxpayers by doing nothing.
With more than 60,000 megawatts of generation in the U.S. and utility-scale projects in 39 states, wind-power producers are no longer an "infant industry." The Department of Energy says that wind power made up 43% of all newly constructed generation in 2012, surpassing even natural gas.
Much of this production is due to the tax credit, which is so generous relative to the wholesale price of electricity that it is distorting energy investment. The handout brings the cost of wind production to nearly zero, which means wind producers are at times paying grid operators to take their wind electricity. This is discouraging investment in other forms of energy, especially in the natural-gas electric generation that is required to back up intermittent wind production—and to keep the lights on as the Obama Administration tries to kill coal-fired power ...
Read the entire article here.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Contact Dave Camp now
The Production Tax Credits for renewable energy from all sources (hydropower, solar, wind, and landfill gas) EXPIRE on December 31, 2013.
Congressman Camp wrote: "In light of the federal government's severe budgetary constraints, I believe Congress should reexamine the full array of energy incentives to ensure these programs are effective from a public policy standpoint and a prudent use of taxpayer dollars."
We highly suggest that each one of us sends U.S. Representative Dave Camp an email that asks that the production tax credits for wind energy, because wind energy is neither cost effective nor a prudent use of taxpayer dollars, NOT be renewed as of December 31, 2013.
Time is running out. If we could all do this by Friday, it might help. Please pass it on.
Email Dave Camp now.
Congressman Camp wrote: "In light of the federal government's severe budgetary constraints, I believe Congress should reexamine the full array of energy incentives to ensure these programs are effective from a public policy standpoint and a prudent use of taxpayer dollars."
We highly suggest that each one of us sends U.S. Representative Dave Camp an email that asks that the production tax credits for wind energy, because wind energy is neither cost effective nor a prudent use of taxpayer dollars, NOT be renewed as of December 31, 2013.
Time is running out. If we could all do this by Friday, it might help. Please pass it on.
Email Dave Camp now.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Testify
On November 13, 2103, Kevon Martis testified before the Ohio Senate and House Public Utilities Committees.
I am the director and senior policy analyst of the Interstate Informed Citizen’s Coalition, Inc. We are a bipartisan non‐profit based in SE Michigan, just a few miles from Toledo, OH. We represent citizens living on the front lines of industrial wind development in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
I would like to thank the committee for this opportunity to testify today.
I have a BA in History from the University of Michigan. I have also served as the vice‐chairman of the Riga Township planning commission as well as the vice‐chairman of the Lenawee County Rural Land Use Committee. I lecture widely across the Michigan on wind energy zoning matters. I have testified before the Michigan House Energy and Tech committee on energy policy and am a resource for legislators from both sides of the aisle.
As a volunteer ratepayer advocate, I believe I bring a unique perspective on what I will today call the
“bizarro world” of industrial wind energy policy. Having been involved with those who are living on the receiving end of wind energy mandates like Ohio’s SB221 or Michigan’s PA295, I am in a position to testify about things that lobbyists roaming the halls of Columbus or Lansing prefer to keep unseen.
As those who testified before me have elegantly demonstrated, the world of wind energy lobbyists,
developers and their “environmental group” advocates is one in which up is down, black is white, loud is quiet, double talk is the lingua franca and the US Constitution does not apply.
Permit me to share my observations from a front row seat across the rural Midwest over the last 4
years ...
You can read the rest of his testimony here.
I am the director and senior policy analyst of the Interstate Informed Citizen’s Coalition, Inc. We are a bipartisan non‐profit based in SE Michigan, just a few miles from Toledo, OH. We represent citizens living on the front lines of industrial wind development in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
I would like to thank the committee for this opportunity to testify today.
I have a BA in History from the University of Michigan. I have also served as the vice‐chairman of the Riga Township planning commission as well as the vice‐chairman of the Lenawee County Rural Land Use Committee. I lecture widely across the Michigan on wind energy zoning matters. I have testified before the Michigan House Energy and Tech committee on energy policy and am a resource for legislators from both sides of the aisle.
As a volunteer ratepayer advocate, I believe I bring a unique perspective on what I will today call the
“bizarro world” of industrial wind energy policy. Having been involved with those who are living on the receiving end of wind energy mandates like Ohio’s SB221 or Michigan’s PA295, I am in a position to testify about things that lobbyists roaming the halls of Columbus or Lansing prefer to keep unseen.
As those who testified before me have elegantly demonstrated, the world of wind energy lobbyists,
developers and their “environmental group” advocates is one in which up is down, black is white, loud is quiet, double talk is the lingua franca and the US Constitution does not apply.
Permit me to share my observations from a front row seat across the rural Midwest over the last 4
years ...
You can read the rest of his testimony here.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Utility company fined for eagle deaths
UTILITY COMPANY SENTENCED IN WYOMING FOR KILLING PROTECTED BIRDS AT WIND PROJECTS
WASHINGTON – Duke Energy Renewables Inc., a subsidiary of Duke Energy Corp., based in Charlotte, N.C., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Wyoming today to violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in connection with the deaths of protected birds, including golden eagles, at two of the company’s wind projects in Wyoming. This case represents the first ever criminal enforcement of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for unpermitted avian takings at wind projects.
Under a plea agreement with the government, the company was sentenced to pay fines, restitution and community service totaling $1 million and was placed on probation for five years, during which it must implement an environmental compliance plan aimed at preventing bird deaths at the company’s four commercial wind projects in the state. The company is also required to apply for an Eagle Take Permit which, if granted, will provide a framework for minimizing and mitigating the deaths of golden eagles at the wind projects.
The charges stem from the discovery of 14 golden eagles and 149 other protected birds, including hawks, blackbirds, larks, wrens and sparrows by the company at its “Campbell Hill” and “Top of the World” wind projects in Converse County between 2009 and 2013. The two wind projects are comprised of 176 large wind turbines sited on private agricultural land.
According to the charges and other information presented in court, Duke Energy Renewables Inc. failed to make all reasonable efforts to build the projects in a way that would avoid the risk of avian deaths by collision with turbine blades, despite prior warnings about this issue from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). However, the company cooperated with the USFWS investigation and has already implemented measures aimed at minimizing avian deaths at the sites.
“This case represents the first criminal conviction under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for unlawful avian takings at wind projects,” said Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. “In this plea agreement, Duke Energy Renewables acknowledges that it constructed these wind projects in a manner it knew beforehand would likely result in avian deaths. To its credit, once the projects came on line and began causing avian deaths, Duke took steps to minimize the hazard, and with this plea agreement has committed to an extensive compliance plan to minimize bird deaths at its Wyoming facilities and to devote resources to eagle preservation and rehabilitation efforts.”
The rest of the article is here.
WASHINGTON – Duke Energy Renewables Inc., a subsidiary of Duke Energy Corp., based in Charlotte, N.C., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Wyoming today to violating the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in connection with the deaths of protected birds, including golden eagles, at two of the company’s wind projects in Wyoming. This case represents the first ever criminal enforcement of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for unpermitted avian takings at wind projects.
Under a plea agreement with the government, the company was sentenced to pay fines, restitution and community service totaling $1 million and was placed on probation for five years, during which it must implement an environmental compliance plan aimed at preventing bird deaths at the company’s four commercial wind projects in the state. The company is also required to apply for an Eagle Take Permit which, if granted, will provide a framework for minimizing and mitigating the deaths of golden eagles at the wind projects.
The charges stem from the discovery of 14 golden eagles and 149 other protected birds, including hawks, blackbirds, larks, wrens and sparrows by the company at its “Campbell Hill” and “Top of the World” wind projects in Converse County between 2009 and 2013. The two wind projects are comprised of 176 large wind turbines sited on private agricultural land.
According to the charges and other information presented in court, Duke Energy Renewables Inc. failed to make all reasonable efforts to build the projects in a way that would avoid the risk of avian deaths by collision with turbine blades, despite prior warnings about this issue from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). However, the company cooperated with the USFWS investigation and has already implemented measures aimed at minimizing avian deaths at the sites.
“This case represents the first criminal conviction under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for unlawful avian takings at wind projects,” said Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. “In this plea agreement, Duke Energy Renewables acknowledges that it constructed these wind projects in a manner it knew beforehand would likely result in avian deaths. To its credit, once the projects came on line and began causing avian deaths, Duke took steps to minimize the hazard, and with this plea agreement has committed to an extensive compliance plan to minimize bird deaths at its Wyoming facilities and to devote resources to eagle preservation and rehabilitation efforts.”
The rest of the article is here.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Special meetings for Essex Township and Bengal Township on Nov 6
Essex Township -
November 6th special meeting information:
Township attorneys Frederick Lucas and Bill Fahey have requested a Special Meeting to discuss the Forest Hill Energy Complaint vs Essex Township. The meeting will take place on November 6th at 7:00 pm. The Community Center is being used at that time so we have secured the Village of Maple Rapids offices for the meeting. The offices are located at 118 W. Adelaide approximately three blocks North of the Community Center. This meeting will primarily be a closed meeting with public comment at the opening and closing of the meeting.
Bengal Township -
November 6th special meeting:
Bengal Township is holding a special meeting at 7:00 p.m. It will be held at held at Township Hall at 6586 West M-21.
November 6th special meeting information:
Township attorneys Frederick Lucas and Bill Fahey have requested a Special Meeting to discuss the Forest Hill Energy Complaint vs Essex Township. The meeting will take place on November 6th at 7:00 pm. The Community Center is being used at that time so we have secured the Village of Maple Rapids offices for the meeting. The offices are located at 118 W. Adelaide approximately three blocks North of the Community Center. This meeting will primarily be a closed meeting with public comment at the opening and closing of the meeting.
Bengal Township -
November 6th special meeting:
Bengal Township is holding a special meeting at 7:00 p.m. It will be held at held at Township Hall at 6586 West M-21.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
Monday, November 4th - be there!
From Kevon Martis:
Good afternoon ICC supporters and interested observers!
The plans for the AWEA protest Nov. 4th in East Lansing are coming along very nicely.
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MI PROTEST EVENT OF THE LAST 6 YEARS! WE NEED YOUR VOICES!
Our friends in Huron County are trying to fill a bus for this event.
URGENT NEWS::
The speaker’s list for the AWEA event has been released. http://www.awea.org/events/Event.aspx?EventID=21506&SubSectionID=5633
The names there are the Who’s-who list of wind profiteers and opportunists in the State of Michigan- Rich VanderVeen who pushed the Gratiot County wind project, John Sarver who said “rural residents do not have a right to peace and quiet”, Rick Wilson of Heritage Energy, Patty Birkholz of MLCV, Doug Jester from 5 Lakes Energy, Chris Kolb of the Michigan Environmental Council- all the names that pushed the failed Proposal 3 ballot measure last year.
Our message to them is simple: NO MEANS NO!!!!
Steve Bakkal of the Michigan Energy Office and MPSC Commissioner John Quackenbush are also speaking. I have sent word to them that we are very troubled by their presence and hope that they will convey to the AWEA crowd that wind energy in Michigan is causing harm and devastating our rural communities. We have several folks who will be attending inside and taking notes. To date I have not received a response from their offices. I will keep you posted.
US Rep. Dave Camp, chairman of the House Ways and Means committee is scheduled to speak as well. I have placed a call in to his DC office asking for clarity on his position with respect to the Production Tax Credit for Wind Energy so that our protest could be properly targeted.
I have not yet received an answer. I have also asked that he cancel his appearance. We may need to take more action here. Keep your phone dialing fingers nimble and I will keep you posted.
Finally, Senator Debbie Stabenow is speaking as well. Our efforts to reach her on wind energy in the past have fallen upon deaf ears.
Finally, I spent all day in Lansing on Thursday. I spoke with many members of the Senate Energy and Tech Committee. I also visited members of the same committee but on the House side.
Our voices are being heard.
In the meantime, please take some time to start making protest signs for the event. Feel free to use the names of the AWEA speakers to inspire your efforts. We will again have IICC T-shirts for folks who wish to wear them. It would be good to have a few signs showing the names of which counties are represented.
Signs asking Governor Snyder to protect your communities from predatory wind developers or wind development are valuable as well.
And a few asking for the end of the PTC for wind energy are good..
We have folks traveling from OH, IN and hopefully Ontario to help us out.
I hope to see you all there.
Kevon
More information here.
Good afternoon ICC supporters and interested observers!
The plans for the AWEA protest Nov. 4th in East Lansing are coming along very nicely.
THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MI PROTEST EVENT OF THE LAST 6 YEARS! WE NEED YOUR VOICES!
Our friends in Huron County are trying to fill a bus for this event.
URGENT NEWS::
The speaker’s list for the AWEA event has been released. http://www.awea.org/events/Event.aspx?EventID=21506&SubSectionID=5633
The names there are the Who’s-who list of wind profiteers and opportunists in the State of Michigan- Rich VanderVeen who pushed the Gratiot County wind project, John Sarver who said “rural residents do not have a right to peace and quiet”, Rick Wilson of Heritage Energy, Patty Birkholz of MLCV, Doug Jester from 5 Lakes Energy, Chris Kolb of the Michigan Environmental Council- all the names that pushed the failed Proposal 3 ballot measure last year.
Our message to them is simple: NO MEANS NO!!!!
Steve Bakkal of the Michigan Energy Office and MPSC Commissioner John Quackenbush are also speaking. I have sent word to them that we are very troubled by their presence and hope that they will convey to the AWEA crowd that wind energy in Michigan is causing harm and devastating our rural communities. We have several folks who will be attending inside and taking notes. To date I have not received a response from their offices. I will keep you posted.
US Rep. Dave Camp, chairman of the House Ways and Means committee is scheduled to speak as well. I have placed a call in to his DC office asking for clarity on his position with respect to the Production Tax Credit for Wind Energy so that our protest could be properly targeted.
I have not yet received an answer. I have also asked that he cancel his appearance. We may need to take more action here. Keep your phone dialing fingers nimble and I will keep you posted.
Finally, Senator Debbie Stabenow is speaking as well. Our efforts to reach her on wind energy in the past have fallen upon deaf ears.
Finally, I spent all day in Lansing on Thursday. I spoke with many members of the Senate Energy and Tech Committee. I also visited members of the same committee but on the House side.
Our voices are being heard.
In the meantime, please take some time to start making protest signs for the event. Feel free to use the names of the AWEA speakers to inspire your efforts. We will again have IICC T-shirts for folks who wish to wear them. It would be good to have a few signs showing the names of which counties are represented.
Signs asking Governor Snyder to protect your communities from predatory wind developers or wind development are valuable as well.
And a few asking for the end of the PTC for wind energy are good..
We have folks traveling from OH, IN and hopefully Ontario to help us out.
I hope to see you all there.
Kevon
More information here.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Ruling
The Lansing State Journal published this today:
Judge voids township ordinances
The quotes from Bob Boettger are amazingly insensitive to his neighbors that are trying to protect our health and homes.
Kevon Martis commented online:
This alleged wind energy project has no application in for an interconnection agreement in MISO. Neither do they have a power purchase agreement with any utility or municipality. Both major utilities have adequate wind projects in the pipeline to meet he 10% rps. Further, Michigan's requirement for instate generation of renewable energy was pronounced unconstitutional this summer in federal appeals court. This wind project will never be cost competitive with wind from IA or MN. It is not in the ratepayer's interests to have this project go forward. I doubt it ever will. And I believe the townships will prevail upon appeal. Sadly, receiving justice often requires moving to a venue out of reach of the good old boy network.
Please support your township boards during the appeal process.
Judge voids township ordinances
The quotes from Bob Boettger are amazingly insensitive to his neighbors that are trying to protect our health and homes.
Kevon Martis commented online:
This alleged wind energy project has no application in for an interconnection agreement in MISO. Neither do they have a power purchase agreement with any utility or municipality. Both major utilities have adequate wind projects in the pipeline to meet he 10% rps. Further, Michigan's requirement for instate generation of renewable energy was pronounced unconstitutional this summer in federal appeals court. This wind project will never be cost competitive with wind from IA or MN. It is not in the ratepayer's interests to have this project go forward. I doubt it ever will. And I believe the townships will prevail upon appeal. Sadly, receiving justice often requires moving to a venue out of reach of the good old boy network.
Please support your township boards during the appeal process.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Locally and nationally
If you didn't see the article in the Lansing State Journal, here's what happened in court -
Judge delays ruling on Clinton County wind-energy project
This ABC article is also generating some interest -
Wind turbine syndrome blamed for mysterious symptoms in Cade Cod town
Judge delays ruling on Clinton County wind-energy project
This ABC article is also generating some interest -
Wind turbine syndrome blamed for mysterious symptoms in Cade Cod town
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Nov 4: East Lansing. Tell AWEA: Stop the lies!
See this link to the flyer: Tell AWEA: Stop the lies!
An excerpt from Kevon Martin:
Attached is the flyer for the upcoming IICC “Stop the Lies” rally in East Lansing November 4th.
We need as many people as possible to attend this event! ... The green industrialists are pulling out all the stops as they try to convince Governor Snyder that 30% renewable energy and its thousands of turbines and billions of expense is a reasonable and achievable goal.
It is the only way grassroots folks like us can get media attention … Further, as you can see from the press coverage of the AWEA protest in Columbus last month, we radically changed the nature of the debate: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2013/09/25/both-sides-dig-in-over-bill-to-change-ohios-renewable-energy-requirements.html
If IICC had not attended, the headlines would have been nothing but praise for AWEA and their bogus jobs and environmental claims.
It comes down to this: if we do not do it, no one else will. And if we do not speak up NOW, we may not get another chance.
As much as I wish I could, I cannot do anything for those communities that have been lost. But we can work together to protect one more community. And if just one state comes to its senses, we just may be able to start a ball rolling that will change the world.
Please, if you do nothing else for IICC this year - please find a way to attend the event next month. Just bring a couple friends and come down for a few hours or stay all day.
Please pass this flyer around and post it wherever you choose. It is no secret!
Tell AWEA: Stop the lies!
An excerpt from Kevon Martin:
Attached is the flyer for the upcoming IICC “Stop the Lies” rally in East Lansing November 4th.
We need as many people as possible to attend this event! ... The green industrialists are pulling out all the stops as they try to convince Governor Snyder that 30% renewable energy and its thousands of turbines and billions of expense is a reasonable and achievable goal.
It is the only way grassroots folks like us can get media attention … Further, as you can see from the press coverage of the AWEA protest in Columbus last month, we radically changed the nature of the debate: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2013/09/25/both-sides-dig-in-over-bill-to-change-ohios-renewable-energy-requirements.html
If IICC had not attended, the headlines would have been nothing but praise for AWEA and their bogus jobs and environmental claims.
It comes down to this: if we do not do it, no one else will. And if we do not speak up NOW, we may not get another chance.
As much as I wish I could, I cannot do anything for those communities that have been lost. But we can work together to protect one more community. And if just one state comes to its senses, we just may be able to start a ball rolling that will change the world.
Please, if you do nothing else for IICC this year - please find a way to attend the event next month. Just bring a couple friends and come down for a few hours or stay all day.
Please pass this flyer around and post it wherever you choose. It is no secret!
Tell AWEA: Stop the lies!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Friday
We received an email today that said Friday's hearing before Judge Tahvonen is not specifically about the appeal, but instead is about another motion for partial summary disposition on different counts.
The hearing on appeal will be held in Lansing at the Hall of Justice whenever it is ultimately scheduled. As far as the letter writer knows, the hearing has not yet been scheduled.
The hearing on appeal will be held in Lansing at the Hall of Justice whenever it is ultimately scheduled. As far as the letter writer knows, the hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Appeal court hearing - 9:00 a.m. Friday, Oct 18
This letter was published in the Clinton County News. Please attend if you're able!
Support the townships' appeal
I would like to thank the Bengal, Dallas, and Essex township boards for their leadership in voting to appeal Circuit Judge Tahvonen’s July 30 decision in the Clinton County wind farm case. Tahvonen ruled that the PPOs put in place by these townships to mitigate the impacts on their rural constituents of a $120 million wind farm project of thirty nine 427 feet tall turbines were not valid and could not be enforced. If allowed to stand, this ruling will not only throw out much in the three township ordinances, but will serve as the precedent for what Forest Hill Energy-Fowler Farms LLC can and cannot do, not only in these three townships, but in other county townships also.
Many Clinton County residents support wind energy production in the county but feel it should be safe with payments from its production going to all county residents, not just to those who own the property where the wind turbines are sited.
Clinton County residents can show their support for the leadership demonstrated by our local leaders in appealing the decision by attending the appeal court hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at the Clinton County Court House.
Rene P. Rosenbaum
Support the townships' appeal
I would like to thank the Bengal, Dallas, and Essex township boards for their leadership in voting to appeal Circuit Judge Tahvonen’s July 30 decision in the Clinton County wind farm case. Tahvonen ruled that the PPOs put in place by these townships to mitigate the impacts on their rural constituents of a $120 million wind farm project of thirty nine 427 feet tall turbines were not valid and could not be enforced. If allowed to stand, this ruling will not only throw out much in the three township ordinances, but will serve as the precedent for what Forest Hill Energy-Fowler Farms LLC can and cannot do, not only in these three townships, but in other county townships also.
Many Clinton County residents support wind energy production in the county but feel it should be safe with payments from its production going to all county residents, not just to those who own the property where the wind turbines are sited.
Clinton County residents can show their support for the leadership demonstrated by our local leaders in appealing the decision by attending the appeal court hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at the Clinton County Court House.
Rene P. Rosenbaum
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
LSJ article: "Clinton County wind farm ruling doesn't close case"
As for the hearing Monday, this was written by Steven R. Reed in the LSJ. Yes, appeal away!
ST. JOHNS — A Clinton County judge is trying to address confusion among lawyers about his ruling last month over a $120 million wind farm project.
Clinton County Circuit Judge Randy Tahvonen reiterated Monday he had stricken height, noise, setback and shadow flicker restrictions in his July 30 ruling on the project from ordinances adopted by three townships that want to mitigate the impacts of the project on their rural constituents.
But other aspects were not resolved.
“This order … does not close this case,” Tahvonen said.
For Grand Rapids lawyer Jon Bylsma, representing the project proposed by Chicago-based Forest Hill Energy, “there’s still not resolution” regarding the effects of “15 other parts of those ordinances that we would view to be zoning.”
The project calls for 39 turbines, each of which would be 427 feet tall at the highest point in the rotation of turbine blades. Tahvonen ruled in July that zoning is controlled by the county, not by the townships. The project meets county regulations.
“If there’s a way to address those (15 other points) and move forward with this project in a way that has people stop spending money on lawyers, then we’re all for that,” said Bylsma.
If agreement cannot be reached with the townships, Bylsma said he would file a motion seeking to invalidate the remaining provisions of the ordinances.
“If allowed to stand, this ruling will not only throw out the three township ordinances but will change the relationship of counties and townships throughout Michigan,” said Ken Wieber, a farmer and senior policy adviser to Clinton County Wind Watch, which is encouraging Essex, Bengal and Dallas township boards to appeal Tahvonen’s July ruling.
ST. JOHNS — A Clinton County judge is trying to address confusion among lawyers about his ruling last month over a $120 million wind farm project.
Clinton County Circuit Judge Randy Tahvonen reiterated Monday he had stricken height, noise, setback and shadow flicker restrictions in his July 30 ruling on the project from ordinances adopted by three townships that want to mitigate the impacts of the project on their rural constituents.
But other aspects were not resolved.
“This order … does not close this case,” Tahvonen said.
For Grand Rapids lawyer Jon Bylsma, representing the project proposed by Chicago-based Forest Hill Energy, “there’s still not resolution” regarding the effects of “15 other parts of those ordinances that we would view to be zoning.”
The project calls for 39 turbines, each of which would be 427 feet tall at the highest point in the rotation of turbine blades. Tahvonen ruled in July that zoning is controlled by the county, not by the townships. The project meets county regulations.
“If there’s a way to address those (15 other points) and move forward with this project in a way that has people stop spending money on lawyers, then we’re all for that,” said Bylsma.
If agreement cannot be reached with the townships, Bylsma said he would file a motion seeking to invalidate the remaining provisions of the ordinances.
“If allowed to stand, this ruling will not only throw out the three township ordinances but will change the relationship of counties and townships throughout Michigan,” said Ken Wieber, a farmer and senior policy adviser to Clinton County Wind Watch, which is encouraging Essex, Bengal and Dallas township boards to appeal Tahvonen’s July ruling.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Hearing on Monday at 1:30
Just a reminder that the hearing on the motion to settle the recent order issued by Judge Tahvonen is Monday, Aug 26 at 1:30 p.m. in the Circuit Court Courtroom on the fourth floor of the Clinton County Courthouse.
It would be great if we could have a large showing of people to let them know we are fighting to protect our residents.
Please let the residents of all three townships know about this hearing. Thank you!
It would be great if we could have a large showing of people to let them know we are fighting to protect our residents.
Please let the residents of all three townships know about this hearing. Thank you!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Essex Township meeting is Wednesday, August 21
The Essex Township Meeting is Wednesday, August 21 at 7:00.
It will be held in the Maple Rapids Community Center at 209 W. Union St., in Maple Rapids.
Please attend if you are able. Thank you.
It will be held in the Maple Rapids Community Center at 209 W. Union St., in Maple Rapids.
Please attend if you are able. Thank you.
Hearing scheduled
The hearing on the motion to settle an order is on Monday, August 26 at 1:30 p.m. in the circuit court courtroom on 4th floor of the Clinton County Courthouse.
There is a possibility the hearing time could be changed, so please check the blog for an update before attending.
We won't be able to change the ruling, but we may be able to change the headline in the story. Please attend and make your voice heard.
There is a possibility the hearing time could be changed, so please check the blog for an update before attending.
We won't be able to change the ruling, but we may be able to change the headline in the story. Please attend and make your voice heard.
Interesting quote ...
What Judge Tahvonen said in dicta while issuing his opinion from the bench:
"Don't think that I am so naive I don't understand what's driving this case. Part of what's driving this case, a consideration in the back, at least, of somebody's mind just before they fall asleep at night, is money. Plaintiffs*, in their own brief, say: 'Landowners who have these structures on their property, as allowed by the special use permit, will realize millions in revenue streams. And maybe their neighbor will recognize some diminution in the value of their property.' " (Excerpt of Court's Opinion, Motion for Summary Disposition, July 30, 2013)
*Plaintiffs are Forest Hill Energy Fowler Farms, LLC
"Don't think that I am so naive I don't understand what's driving this case. Part of what's driving this case, a consideration in the back, at least, of somebody's mind just before they fall asleep at night, is money. Plaintiffs*, in their own brief, say: 'Landowners who have these structures on their property, as allowed by the special use permit, will realize millions in revenue streams. And maybe their neighbor will recognize some diminution in the value of their property.' " (Excerpt of Court's Opinion, Motion for Summary Disposition, July 30, 2013)
*Plaintiffs are Forest Hill Energy Fowler Farms, LLC
Monday, August 5, 2013
What comes next - meetings
From Lori Pung:
As you may know, Judge Tahvonen ruled last week that the PPOs put in place by Dallas, Bengal and Essex Townships were not valid and can not be enforced.
So, what does this mean to us? This means that our fight is not over. Yes, this is not what we wanted to hear, and yes, this is a setback, but we do have options.
One of the options is to file an appeal and that is what we need to ask our townships to do. Now, more than ever, we need to go to the township meetings and demand that an appeal be filed. We can't let this ruling be the final say. We've worked too many years to give up now. We must all attend the following meetings in August and encourage all three township boards to file an appeal. Our PPO can hold up...it just needs to get to a different court.
Please attend all of the meetings if you can. Please forward this information on to all township residents via email, text or phone calls. I encourage you to get the word out and let's get these halls FILLED. Numbers speak volumes.
There is a special meeting tonight for Essex Township. Please see info below regarding that meeting and also the dates/times of the other township meetings this month with the first being in Fowler tomorrow night!
Dallas Township Meeting, Tuesday, August 6, 2013 7:00 - 225 S. Main Street, Fowler
Bengal Township Meeting, Wednesday, August 14, 2013 7:00 - 6586 W. M-21
Essex Township Meeting, Wednesday, August 21, 2013 7:00 - Maple Rapids Community Center 209 W. Union St.
August 5th Special Meeting information:
Township attorneys Frederick Lucas and Bill Fahey have requested a Special Meeting to discuss the Forest Hill Energy Complaint vs Essex Township. The meeting will take place on August 5th at 7:00 pm. The Community Center is being used at that time so we have secured the Village of Maple Rapids offices for the meeting. The offices are located at 118 W. Adelaide approximately three blocks North of the Community Center. This meeting will primarily be a closed meeting with public comment at the opening and closing of the meeting.
As you may know, Judge Tahvonen ruled last week that the PPOs put in place by Dallas, Bengal and Essex Townships were not valid and can not be enforced.
So, what does this mean to us? This means that our fight is not over. Yes, this is not what we wanted to hear, and yes, this is a setback, but we do have options.
One of the options is to file an appeal and that is what we need to ask our townships to do. Now, more than ever, we need to go to the township meetings and demand that an appeal be filed. We can't let this ruling be the final say. We've worked too many years to give up now. We must all attend the following meetings in August and encourage all three township boards to file an appeal. Our PPO can hold up...it just needs to get to a different court.
Please attend all of the meetings if you can. Please forward this information on to all township residents via email, text or phone calls. I encourage you to get the word out and let's get these halls FILLED. Numbers speak volumes.
There is a special meeting tonight for Essex Township. Please see info below regarding that meeting and also the dates/times of the other township meetings this month with the first being in Fowler tomorrow night!
Dallas Township Meeting, Tuesday, August 6, 2013 7:00 - 225 S. Main Street, Fowler
Bengal Township Meeting, Wednesday, August 14, 2013 7:00 - 6586 W. M-21
Essex Township Meeting, Wednesday, August 21, 2013 7:00 - Maple Rapids Community Center 209 W. Union St.
August 5th Special Meeting information:
Township attorneys Frederick Lucas and Bill Fahey have requested a Special Meeting to discuss the Forest Hill Energy Complaint vs Essex Township. The meeting will take place on August 5th at 7:00 pm. The Community Center is being used at that time so we have secured the Village of Maple Rapids offices for the meeting. The offices are located at 118 W. Adelaide approximately three blocks North of the Community Center. This meeting will primarily be a closed meeting with public comment at the opening and closing of the meeting.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
A loss for us
Judge Randy Tahvonen made a poor decision by saying that the ordinances were more like zoning rules. The lawyers for both sides are trying to determine what will happen next.
You can read the article from the Lansing State Journal:
Judge invalidates townships' wind-turbine restrictions
You can read the article from the Lansing State Journal:
Judge invalidates townships' wind-turbine restrictions
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Two articles on wind power
By Kevon Martis:
Commentary: Court Decision Could Unplug Green Energy Mandate in Michigan
"On June 7, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit delivered a unanimous ruling that may be a death blow to Michigan's renewable energy mandate.
Writing for the majority, Judge Richard Posner wrote: "Michigan cannot, without violating the commerce clause of Article I of the Constitution, discriminate against out-of-state renewable energy."
That single sentence may throw into jeopardy Michigan's entire renewable energy mandate, Public Act 295, which requires Michigan utilities to generate 10 percent of their electricity from in-state renewable sources by 2015."
Read the article here.
---
By Jay Lehr:
The Rationale for Wind Power Won't Fly: Physical limitations will keep this energy source a niche provider of U.S. electricity needs.
"To understand the folly that drives too much of the nation's energy policies, consider these basic facts about wind energy.
After decades of federal subsidies—almost $24 billion according to a recent estimate by former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm—nowhere in the United States, or anywhere else, has an array of wind turbines replaced a single conventional power plant. Nowhere."
Read the article here.
Commentary: Court Decision Could Unplug Green Energy Mandate in Michigan
"On June 7, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit delivered a unanimous ruling that may be a death blow to Michigan's renewable energy mandate.
Writing for the majority, Judge Richard Posner wrote: "Michigan cannot, without violating the commerce clause of Article I of the Constitution, discriminate against out-of-state renewable energy."
That single sentence may throw into jeopardy Michigan's entire renewable energy mandate, Public Act 295, which requires Michigan utilities to generate 10 percent of their electricity from in-state renewable sources by 2015."
Read the article here.
---
By Jay Lehr:
The Rationale for Wind Power Won't Fly: Physical limitations will keep this energy source a niche provider of U.S. electricity needs.
"To understand the folly that drives too much of the nation's energy policies, consider these basic facts about wind energy.
After decades of federal subsidies—almost $24 billion according to a recent estimate by former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm—nowhere in the United States, or anywhere else, has an array of wind turbines replaced a single conventional power plant. Nowhere."
Read the article here.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Penny Malesky
We have just received some very sad news. Our friend Penny Malesky passed away Monday from complications with a recent surgery.
Throughout this prolonged, three-year fight I have met many fine people and have made many friends. I am proud to say Penny was both.
It was a great pleasure to have worked with her over this past year. She was instrumental in our efforts to pass the Essex Township police ordinance. Just when we were all getting worn down from the endless meetings, Penny, along with others, showed up with so much energy. She took it upon herself to make copies of DVDs and go door-to-door to pass them out to her neighbors and encourage them to come to the township meetings. She also pushed the township board to have a special meeting where Rick James was a featured speaker. While she didn't accomplish this alone, her role was pivotal.
Without her efforts to pick up the cause and run with it, we would not have the Essex Township police ordinance and, quite possibly, we may have failed in Bengal Township as well.
I thank God she was on our side. I hope He has a very special place for her.
Ken Wieber
Throughout this prolonged, three-year fight I have met many fine people and have made many friends. I am proud to say Penny was both.
It was a great pleasure to have worked with her over this past year. She was instrumental in our efforts to pass the Essex Township police ordinance. Just when we were all getting worn down from the endless meetings, Penny, along with others, showed up with so much energy. She took it upon herself to make copies of DVDs and go door-to-door to pass them out to her neighbors and encourage them to come to the township meetings. She also pushed the township board to have a special meeting where Rick James was a featured speaker. While she didn't accomplish this alone, her role was pivotal.
Without her efforts to pick up the cause and run with it, we would not have the Essex Township police ordinance and, quite possibly, we may have failed in Bengal Township as well.
I thank God she was on our side. I hope He has a very special place for her.
Ken Wieber
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Wind Farms Get Pass on Eagle Deaths
This is a depressing but interesting article from the AP: Wind Farms Get Pass on Eagle Deaths
Some excerpts:
More than 573,000 birds are killed by the country's wind farms each year, including 83,000 hunting birds such as hawks, falcons and eagles, according to an estimate published in March in the peer-reviewed Wildlife Society Bulletin.
Getting precise figures is impossible because many companies aren't required to disclose how many birds they kill. And when they do, experts say, the data can be unreliable.
...
The Obama administration has refused to accept that cost when the fossil-fuel industry is to blame. The BP oil company was fined $100 million for killing and harming migratory birds during the 2010 Gulf oil spill. And PacifiCorp, which operates coal plants in Wyoming, paid more than $10.5 million in 2009 for electrocuting 232 eagles along power lines and at its substations.
But PacifiCorp also operates wind farms in the state, where at least 20 eagles have been found dead in recent years, according to corporate surveys submitted to the federal government and obtained by The Associated Press. They've neither been fined nor prosecuted.
...
"What it boils down to is this: If you electrocute an eagle, that is bad, but if you chop it to pieces, that is OK," said Tim Eicher, a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforcement agent based in Cody, who helped prosecute the PacifiCorp power line case.
...
Some excerpts:
More than 573,000 birds are killed by the country's wind farms each year, including 83,000 hunting birds such as hawks, falcons and eagles, according to an estimate published in March in the peer-reviewed Wildlife Society Bulletin.
Getting precise figures is impossible because many companies aren't required to disclose how many birds they kill. And when they do, experts say, the data can be unreliable.
...
The Obama administration has refused to accept that cost when the fossil-fuel industry is to blame. The BP oil company was fined $100 million for killing and harming migratory birds during the 2010 Gulf oil spill. And PacifiCorp, which operates coal plants in Wyoming, paid more than $10.5 million in 2009 for electrocuting 232 eagles along power lines and at its substations.
But PacifiCorp also operates wind farms in the state, where at least 20 eagles have been found dead in recent years, according to corporate surveys submitted to the federal government and obtained by The Associated Press. They've neither been fined nor prosecuted.
...
"What it boils down to is this: If you electrocute an eagle, that is bad, but if you chop it to pieces, that is OK," said Tim Eicher, a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforcement agent based in Cody, who helped prosecute the PacifiCorp power line case.
...
The rehabilitation coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, Michael Tincher, said he euthanized two golden eagles found starving and near death near wind farms. Both had injuries he'd never seen before: One of their wings appeared to be twisted off.
"There is nothing in the evolution of eagles that would come near to describing a wind turbine. There has never been an opportunity to adapt to that sort of threat," said Grainger Hunt, an eagle expert who researches the U.S. wind-power industry's deadliest location, a northern California area known as Altamont Pass. Wind farms built there decades ago kill more than 60 per year.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Video interview
This is Kevon Martis' extended interview with NBC25’s Brett Dickie regarding wind energy issues in Michigan:
Kevon Martis interview
You can also see the news article and original segment:
Special Report: Controversy in the Wind
Kevon Martis interview
You can also see the news article and original segment:
Special Report: Controversy in the Wind
Letter from Cary Shineldecker
This letter was sent to the Mason County Commissioners and Planning Commission Members:
Today May 7, 2013 – Turbine #14 paused at approximately 6:54 a.m. just before flicker impacted our residence.
As I sat eating my breakfast enjoying the sunrise, I watched as the sun rose into the path of the turbine.
I could watch the shadows moving closer to our home from the south and into the edge of our yard.
Just before the shadow flicker hit our home, the turbine was paused.
Since 8/22/2012 I have been insisting that our home will be over the limit set by Mason County Zoning.
Since the turbines began commercial operation on Thanksgiving day, I have had to make notes, keep records, video, file complaints and live with the impacts from Consumers Energy’s ill-designed flicker detection system. I have also had to deal with the rhetoric and denials from Consumers Energy and their lack of responsiveness to these impacts. I have been bad mouthed in the public from people who do not understand what it is to unwillingly be sacrificed for someone else’s FOR PROFIT business.
I have sacrificed countless hours to document and report these impacts and ordinance violations. While each person I interface with regarding this issue is being paid and makes a living dealing with this, I have lost time, energy, and considerable wages to perform operational compliance testing which Mason County and Consumers Energy has not done, nor had intended to do.
As I write this letter of correspondence this morning regarding this issue, I am already again late for work, yet another morning, thus sacrificing income.
What an unnecessary waste of time, energy, and life for me. I cannot express what has been lost in our lives because of this project. Sleepless nights, stress, loss of enjoyment of our home and property, total loss of enjoyment of life at many times, health impacts, loss of friendships and neighbor relations, etc.
This project not only has negatively impacted me in a physical sense but a psychological sense that will now be with me for the rest of my life. Even when we are able to leave this house, that used to be our home, we will carry the distrust for those involved and those that believe sacrificing our lives for someone else's profit was and is justifiable.
I now hope and pray that someday, each one of you has the chance to experience this sense of loss that comes with having someone else take your home from you.
I know many of you are faithful followers. Please take time to pause and pray for yourselves and those you impact with the decisions you make.
Very Sincerely,
Cary Shineldecker
Today May 7, 2013 – Turbine #14 paused at approximately 6:54 a.m. just before flicker impacted our residence.
As I sat eating my breakfast enjoying the sunrise, I watched as the sun rose into the path of the turbine.
I could watch the shadows moving closer to our home from the south and into the edge of our yard.
Just before the shadow flicker hit our home, the turbine was paused.
Since 8/22/2012 I have been insisting that our home will be over the limit set by Mason County Zoning.
Since the turbines began commercial operation on Thanksgiving day, I have had to make notes, keep records, video, file complaints and live with the impacts from Consumers Energy’s ill-designed flicker detection system. I have also had to deal with the rhetoric and denials from Consumers Energy and their lack of responsiveness to these impacts. I have been bad mouthed in the public from people who do not understand what it is to unwillingly be sacrificed for someone else’s FOR PROFIT business.
I have sacrificed countless hours to document and report these impacts and ordinance violations. While each person I interface with regarding this issue is being paid and makes a living dealing with this, I have lost time, energy, and considerable wages to perform operational compliance testing which Mason County and Consumers Energy has not done, nor had intended to do.
As I write this letter of correspondence this morning regarding this issue, I am already again late for work, yet another morning, thus sacrificing income.
What an unnecessary waste of time, energy, and life for me. I cannot express what has been lost in our lives because of this project. Sleepless nights, stress, loss of enjoyment of our home and property, total loss of enjoyment of life at many times, health impacts, loss of friendships and neighbor relations, etc.
This project not only has negatively impacted me in a physical sense but a psychological sense that will now be with me for the rest of my life. Even when we are able to leave this house, that used to be our home, we will carry the distrust for those involved and those that believe sacrificing our lives for someone else's profit was and is justifiable.
I now hope and pray that someday, each one of you has the chance to experience this sense of loss that comes with having someone else take your home from you.
I know many of you are faithful followers. Please take time to pause and pray for yourselves and those you impact with the decisions you make.
Very Sincerely,
Cary Shineldecker
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Letter from Kevon Martis
Dear IICC supporters and interested observers:
This past fall three townships in Clinton County (north of Lansing) determined that Clinton County zoning was not adequately protecting the health safety and welfare of their residents when the county considered a Special Land Use permit to Forest Hill Energy for the construction of an industrial wind plant.
It is the opinion of the IICC that FHE’s application did not meet the dictates of the county zoning ordinance and we testified to that effect before the county commissioners.
Nonetheless, the SLU was approved by 5-2.
The residents of Dallas, Bengal and Essex Townships petitioned their township trustee boards by overwhelming numbers to protect their health safety and welfare. Their boards complied with the wishes of the people by enacting Police Power Ordinance language that is consistent with protecting people from the ill effects of improperly sited industrial wind turbines.
(Mason County commissioners were not so wise and this is the result: http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/04/mason_county_wind-farm_neighbo.html)
FHE has decided to bring suit against the three rural townships. http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/comments/article/20130409/NEWS01/304090026/Suit-challenges-townships-powers-120M-wind-project
To our knowledge this is the first time that a PPO wind regulation ordinance has been so challenged in MI.
We know that restrictive zoning ordinances that essentially preclude industrial wind development from occurring in a given township have been challenged legally and the township prevailed. http://www.topplaw.com/files/Johnecheck%20v.%20Bay%20Township%20U.S.%20District%20Court%20Western%20District%20of%20Michigan.pdf
We feel strongly that these three rural townships have done the correct thing in responding to the clearly expressed will of their residents.
Further, we feel that FHE’s suit is fully consistent with the predatory tactics of wind developers across the state.
When wind developers prevail in their demands to build wind installations without adequate protection for the rural residents of those communities, the results are predictable: complaints about noise and health impacts, property value devastation and ultimately expensive litigation born by those thus afflicted.
We have seen this same scenario play out once already in Ubly, MI and now again in Mason County.
Thus,
We the statewide membership of the IICC reaffirm our petition to Governor Snyder to enact a moratorium on further wind development in the State of Michigan.
1. Due to intermittency, wind is powerless to replace baseload coal generation.
2. Because wind Power Purchase Agreements in MI are averaging $80/MWh but wind is generated in MISO primarily when the value of that energy to the grid is around $20.00/MWh, wind generation absolutely increases the cost of electricity and the price of doing business in Michigan. http://cadmus.eui.eu/bitstream/handle/1814/18239/RSCAS_2011_45.pdf?sequence=1
3. Wind is among the least cost effective means to avoid emissions from coal-fired generation.
4. Because wind cannot replace baseload fossil generation, wind’s environmental and human impacts are additive to coal’s alleged impacts.
5. Because MI’s wind resource is anemic compared to the Midwest, wind generation mandates like PA295 places MI at a cost disadvantage relative to MN, IA, WI, IL and IN.
6. Wind developer’s activities in MI have a foul record: conflict of interest worthy of a RICO investigation, zoning battles, referenda, recall and litigation all rending the fabric of our precious rural communities in two.
Wind energy is a high cost/low value proposition and should not retain its mandated seat at our energy table.
Sincerely,
Kevon Martis
Director
www.iiccusa.org
This past fall three townships in Clinton County (north of Lansing) determined that Clinton County zoning was not adequately protecting the health safety and welfare of their residents when the county considered a Special Land Use permit to Forest Hill Energy for the construction of an industrial wind plant.
It is the opinion of the IICC that FHE’s application did not meet the dictates of the county zoning ordinance and we testified to that effect before the county commissioners.
Nonetheless, the SLU was approved by 5-2.
The residents of Dallas, Bengal and Essex Townships petitioned their township trustee boards by overwhelming numbers to protect their health safety and welfare. Their boards complied with the wishes of the people by enacting Police Power Ordinance language that is consistent with protecting people from the ill effects of improperly sited industrial wind turbines.
(Mason County commissioners were not so wise and this is the result: http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2013/04/mason_county_wind-farm_neighbo.html)
FHE has decided to bring suit against the three rural townships. http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/comments/article/20130409/NEWS01/304090026/Suit-challenges-townships-powers-120M-wind-project
To our knowledge this is the first time that a PPO wind regulation ordinance has been so challenged in MI.
We know that restrictive zoning ordinances that essentially preclude industrial wind development from occurring in a given township have been challenged legally and the township prevailed. http://www.topplaw.com/files/Johnecheck%20v.%20Bay%20Township%20U.S.%20District%20Court%20Western%20District%20of%20Michigan.pdf
We feel strongly that these three rural townships have done the correct thing in responding to the clearly expressed will of their residents.
Further, we feel that FHE’s suit is fully consistent with the predatory tactics of wind developers across the state.
When wind developers prevail in their demands to build wind installations without adequate protection for the rural residents of those communities, the results are predictable: complaints about noise and health impacts, property value devastation and ultimately expensive litigation born by those thus afflicted.
We have seen this same scenario play out once already in Ubly, MI and now again in Mason County.
Thus,
We the statewide membership of the IICC reaffirm our petition to Governor Snyder to enact a moratorium on further wind development in the State of Michigan.
1. Due to intermittency, wind is powerless to replace baseload coal generation.
2. Because wind Power Purchase Agreements in MI are averaging $80/MWh but wind is generated in MISO primarily when the value of that energy to the grid is around $20.00/MWh, wind generation absolutely increases the cost of electricity and the price of doing business in Michigan. http://cadmus.eui.eu/bitstream/handle/1814/18239/RSCAS_2011_45.pdf?sequence=1
3. Wind is among the least cost effective means to avoid emissions from coal-fired generation.
4. Because wind cannot replace baseload fossil generation, wind’s environmental and human impacts are additive to coal’s alleged impacts.
5. Because MI’s wind resource is anemic compared to the Midwest, wind generation mandates like PA295 places MI at a cost disadvantage relative to MN, IA, WI, IL and IN.
6. Wind developer’s activities in MI have a foul record: conflict of interest worthy of a RICO investigation, zoning battles, referenda, recall and litigation all rending the fabric of our precious rural communities in two.
Wind energy is a high cost/low value proposition and should not retain its mandated seat at our energy table.
Sincerely,
Kevon Martis
Director
www.iiccusa.org
Friday, April 19, 2013
Meanwhile in other states ...
Wind turbine blade the size of a football field snaps off in Iowa
"Authorities in western Iowa are investigating how a wind turbine blade that’s the size of a football field snapped off.
A technician for the Eclipse Wind Farm in Adair discovered the blade in a field Friday morning. Siemens Energy, the turbine manufacturer, is investigating the accident.
Iowa Wind Energy Association President Kathleen Law says it’s rare for a blade to get loose, and she’s never heard of this happening in Iowa."
Tipton County approves wind farm, with limits
"A central Indiana county has given the go-ahead to a proposed $300 million wind farm while also approving restrictions that address concerns about the project’s impact on property values.
The Tipton County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional use permit Wednesday for juwi Wind’s plans for up to 94 wind turbines capable of generating up to 150 watts of power, The Kokomo Tribune reports.
The approval means the company can move forward as long as it guarantees it won’t diminish property values and that the wind turbines are built at least 1,500 feet from property lines. Company officials have 30 days to appeal the permit."
Meaning:
"The energy company would provide the difference between the sale price and the appraised value if a property owner couldn’t sell his or her home for the appraised value."
"Authorities in western Iowa are investigating how a wind turbine blade that’s the size of a football field snapped off.
A technician for the Eclipse Wind Farm in Adair discovered the blade in a field Friday morning. Siemens Energy, the turbine manufacturer, is investigating the accident.
Iowa Wind Energy Association President Kathleen Law says it’s rare for a blade to get loose, and she’s never heard of this happening in Iowa."
Tipton County approves wind farm, with limits
"A central Indiana county has given the go-ahead to a proposed $300 million wind farm while also approving restrictions that address concerns about the project’s impact on property values.
The Tipton County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional use permit Wednesday for juwi Wind’s plans for up to 94 wind turbines capable of generating up to 150 watts of power, The Kokomo Tribune reports.
The approval means the company can move forward as long as it guarantees it won’t diminish property values and that the wind turbines are built at least 1,500 feet from property lines. Company officials have 30 days to appeal the permit."
Meaning:
"The energy company would provide the difference between the sale price and the appraised value if a property owner couldn’t sell his or her home for the appraised value."
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Forest Hill Energy suing our townships
The Lansing State Journal posted this today:
Suit challenges townships' powers in $120 million wind project
An excerpt:
But William Fahey, the Okemos-based attorney for Dallas and Essex townships, said the state legislature has granted townships broad powers to regulate conduct for the public health, safety and general welfare.
“Our constitution says the powers of townships shall be liberally construed,” Fahey said. “Unless there is some specific statute out there that takes these powers away, the townships continue to have the powers and can exercise them.”
Clinton County’s new zoning ordinance also addresses the issue, Fahey said, stating in three places that the ordinance “does not take away any power the townships have independently to regulate activities in these townships.”
You can also read Forest Hill Energy's complaint here.
Suit challenges townships' powers in $120 million wind project
An excerpt:
But William Fahey, the Okemos-based attorney for Dallas and Essex townships, said the state legislature has granted townships broad powers to regulate conduct for the public health, safety and general welfare.
“Our constitution says the powers of townships shall be liberally construed,” Fahey said. “Unless there is some specific statute out there that takes these powers away, the townships continue to have the powers and can exercise them.”
Clinton County’s new zoning ordinance also addresses the issue, Fahey said, stating in three places that the ordinance “does not take away any power the townships have independently to regulate activities in these townships.”
You can also read Forest Hill Energy's complaint here.
Monday, April 8, 2013
IRS increases tax credit
Not the news you really want to read ... from Fox News:
"Despite the GAO report that points out holes in the government’s approach to wind energy, the Internal Revenue Service announced last week it would be increasing the production tax credit available for energy generated by wind, geothermal, solar and certain biomass projects because of inflation.
According to an April 3 notice in the Federal Register, wind, geothermal and "closed-loop" biomass projects will now get 2.3 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced, up from 2.2 cents.
The credit was set at 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour in 1993 dollars and was indexed to inflation. The IRS has regularly updated the credit since then. The tax break – 2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour -- costs taxpayers about $1 billion a year. The new increase adds another $545 million in expected taxpayer support for the wind industry, according to the Institute for Energy Research."
You can read the rest of the article here: Overlapping wind energy initiatives spark claims of waste, as IRS increases tax credit.
"Despite the GAO report that points out holes in the government’s approach to wind energy, the Internal Revenue Service announced last week it would be increasing the production tax credit available for energy generated by wind, geothermal, solar and certain biomass projects because of inflation.
According to an April 3 notice in the Federal Register, wind, geothermal and "closed-loop" biomass projects will now get 2.3 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced, up from 2.2 cents.
The credit was set at 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour in 1993 dollars and was indexed to inflation. The IRS has regularly updated the credit since then. The tax break – 2.2 cents per kilowatt-hour -- costs taxpayers about $1 billion a year. The new increase adds another $545 million in expected taxpayer support for the wind industry, according to the Institute for Energy Research."
You can read the rest of the article here: Overlapping wind energy initiatives spark claims of waste, as IRS increases tax credit.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Wind-power business CEO hopes government will "roll back misguided subsidies"
Patrick Jenevein, CEO of the Dallas-based Tang Energy Group, wrote a Wall Street Journal article called, 'Wind-Power Subsidies? No Thanks.'
The subheading reads: "I'm in the green-energy business. If Washington sent a little less 'green' our way, it would be good for the industry."
In part of it, he writes:
"Government subsidies to new wind farms have only made the industry less focused on reducing costs. In turn, the industry produces a product that isn't as efficient or cheap as it might be if we focused less on working the political system and more on research and development. After the 2009 subsidy became available, wind farms were increasingly built in less-windy locations, according to the Department of Energy's "2011 Wind Technologies Market Report." The average wind-power project built in 2011 was located in an area with wind conditions 16% worse than those of the average project in 1998-99. "
For example, Clinton County's wind power classification is 'marginal' or 'poor', according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
He finishes by writing:
"The wind industry has largely been out-competed by natural gas, which has proved to be a clean, reliable and cheap power source for the future without subsidies or even venture-capital funding. As such, my company isn't planning any new investments in the wind business, even though we would love to still be worth the $2 billion we were several years ago.
Of course, we could yet be proven wrong by technological innovation. Without subsidies, the wind industry would be forced to take a hard fresh look at its product. Fewer wind farms would be built, eliminating the market-distorting glut. And if there is truly a need for wind energy, entrepreneurs who improve the business's fundamentals will find a way to compete."
You can read the entire article here.
The subheading reads: "I'm in the green-energy business. If Washington sent a little less 'green' our way, it would be good for the industry."
In part of it, he writes:
"Government subsidies to new wind farms have only made the industry less focused on reducing costs. In turn, the industry produces a product that isn't as efficient or cheap as it might be if we focused less on working the political system and more on research and development. After the 2009 subsidy became available, wind farms were increasingly built in less-windy locations, according to the Department of Energy's "2011 Wind Technologies Market Report." The average wind-power project built in 2011 was located in an area with wind conditions 16% worse than those of the average project in 1998-99. "
For example, Clinton County's wind power classification is 'marginal' or 'poor', according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
He finishes by writing:
"The wind industry has largely been out-competed by natural gas, which has proved to be a clean, reliable and cheap power source for the future without subsidies or even venture-capital funding. As such, my company isn't planning any new investments in the wind business, even though we would love to still be worth the $2 billion we were several years ago.
Of course, we could yet be proven wrong by technological innovation. Without subsidies, the wind industry would be forced to take a hard fresh look at its product. Fewer wind farms would be built, eliminating the market-distorting glut. And if there is truly a need for wind energy, entrepreneurs who improve the business's fundamentals will find a way to compete."
You can read the entire article here.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Golden eagle killed by wind turbine
The Las Vegas Review Journal published this article today: Eagle death at Nevada wind farm brings federal scrutiny
A single dead eagle could spell trouble for a White Pine County wind farm that sells power to NV Energy.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is conducting an investigation after a golden eagle was killed in late February at the Spring Valley Wind Farm, about 300 miles north of Las Vegas.
San Francisco-based Pattern Energy, which owns the 152-megawatt wind energy project, reported the dead bird and turned it over to federal authorities within 36 hours of its discovery.
“They did all the things they were supposed to because of an eagle death,” said Jeannie Stafford, spokeswoman for the Fish and Wildlife Service in Nevada.
Even so, the wind farm could face a fine of up to $200,000 because it does not hold a federal “take” permit that would allow the incidental death of a golden or bald eagle.
Stafford said the matter is under investigation by the service’s Office of Law Enforcement.
The $225 million facility went online in August as the first utility-scale wind farm in Nevada and the first to be built on federal land anywhere in the United States.
It features 66 turbines, each roughly 400 feet tall, scattered over 7,500 acres at the heart of the vast Spring Valley, which runs north-south for about 110 miles between the Schell Creek and Snake mountain ranges in eastern Nevada.
Stafford said Spring Valley is not a breeding ground for golden eagles, but the large birds of prey do migrate through the area and forage for food there.
Few bald eagles, if any, are known to pass through Spring Valley during migration, she said.
Those two species receive special protection under federal law dating to 1940.
Scott Flaherty, spokesman for the Fish and Wildlife Service’s southwestern regional office in Sacramento, Calif., said wind energy projects are not required to get take permits, but those that don’t open themselves up to investigation and possible prosecution under federal law.
Applying for a permit and engaging with the service before any eagles are killed “provides the best possible outcomes for the companies and the wildlife,” Flaherty said.
“We really prefer that wind developers work with the service early on in the process” to identify the best site for a farm and its individual turbines to reduce bird strikes, he said.
The incident in Spring Valley comes as the service considers extending the length of its take permits to up to 30 years, a move that could cut down on some of the red tape facing wind energy projects.
Flaherty said the current take permits are good for up to five years.
“It is not like a license to just go out and kill eagles,” he said. “The goal is no net loss. The service looks at populations, regional and national populations over time.”
NV Energy has agreed to buy wind energy from Spring Valley for the next 20 years.
The state’s largest electric utility is already delivering power from the wind farm to customers in Northern Nevada. The wind farm will start lighting lights and running air conditioners in the Las Vegas Valley with the completion of a new transmission line being built from Ely to Apex.
In a statement late Monday, Pattern CEO Mike Garland called the bird’s death “unfortunate” but noted that it is “the one eagle incident” since the start of operations on Aug. 8.
“We reported the incident to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other local agencies and continue to work with these organizations on this matter,” he said.
In December, when the Spring Valley facility won Wind Project of the Year at an international power-sector conference, Garland touted the company’s “environmental leadership.”
That included such “groundbreaking mitigation measures” as “modified electrical lines to reduce risks to birds and an advanced radar system designed to protect birds and bats,” he said.
Environmental groups initially tried to block construction of the wind farm over concerns about birds and bats dying in collisions with the turbines, among other issues.
The Western Watersheds Project and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit in January 2011 accusing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management of skirting environmental regulations to fast-track the project.
The two sides settled their differences last year, after a federal judge refused to stop work at the wind farm to allow more study of how it might affect bats and sage grouse in the area.
Under the settlement, Pattern agreed to expand its program for tracking bird and bat deaths associated with the project. The company also agreed to pay $50,000 for a study of nearby Rose Cave, where more than 1 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost during their fall migration.
In 2010, the developers of the wind farm said they expected fewer than 203 birds and 193 bats to die each year from turbine encounters.
***
Let's hope Forest Hill Energy and Clinton County are paying attention.
A single dead eagle could spell trouble for a White Pine County wind farm that sells power to NV Energy.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is conducting an investigation after a golden eagle was killed in late February at the Spring Valley Wind Farm, about 300 miles north of Las Vegas.
San Francisco-based Pattern Energy, which owns the 152-megawatt wind energy project, reported the dead bird and turned it over to federal authorities within 36 hours of its discovery.
“They did all the things they were supposed to because of an eagle death,” said Jeannie Stafford, spokeswoman for the Fish and Wildlife Service in Nevada.
Even so, the wind farm could face a fine of up to $200,000 because it does not hold a federal “take” permit that would allow the incidental death of a golden or bald eagle.
Stafford said the matter is under investigation by the service’s Office of Law Enforcement.
The $225 million facility went online in August as the first utility-scale wind farm in Nevada and the first to be built on federal land anywhere in the United States.
It features 66 turbines, each roughly 400 feet tall, scattered over 7,500 acres at the heart of the vast Spring Valley, which runs north-south for about 110 miles between the Schell Creek and Snake mountain ranges in eastern Nevada.
Stafford said Spring Valley is not a breeding ground for golden eagles, but the large birds of prey do migrate through the area and forage for food there.
Few bald eagles, if any, are known to pass through Spring Valley during migration, she said.
Those two species receive special protection under federal law dating to 1940.
Scott Flaherty, spokesman for the Fish and Wildlife Service’s southwestern regional office in Sacramento, Calif., said wind energy projects are not required to get take permits, but those that don’t open themselves up to investigation and possible prosecution under federal law.
Applying for a permit and engaging with the service before any eagles are killed “provides the best possible outcomes for the companies and the wildlife,” Flaherty said.
“We really prefer that wind developers work with the service early on in the process” to identify the best site for a farm and its individual turbines to reduce bird strikes, he said.
The incident in Spring Valley comes as the service considers extending the length of its take permits to up to 30 years, a move that could cut down on some of the red tape facing wind energy projects.
Flaherty said the current take permits are good for up to five years.
“It is not like a license to just go out and kill eagles,” he said. “The goal is no net loss. The service looks at populations, regional and national populations over time.”
NV Energy has agreed to buy wind energy from Spring Valley for the next 20 years.
The state’s largest electric utility is already delivering power from the wind farm to customers in Northern Nevada. The wind farm will start lighting lights and running air conditioners in the Las Vegas Valley with the completion of a new transmission line being built from Ely to Apex.
In a statement late Monday, Pattern CEO Mike Garland called the bird’s death “unfortunate” but noted that it is “the one eagle incident” since the start of operations on Aug. 8.
“We reported the incident to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other local agencies and continue to work with these organizations on this matter,” he said.
In December, when the Spring Valley facility won Wind Project of the Year at an international power-sector conference, Garland touted the company’s “environmental leadership.”
That included such “groundbreaking mitigation measures” as “modified electrical lines to reduce risks to birds and an advanced radar system designed to protect birds and bats,” he said.
Environmental groups initially tried to block construction of the wind farm over concerns about birds and bats dying in collisions with the turbines, among other issues.
The Western Watersheds Project and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit in January 2011 accusing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management of skirting environmental regulations to fast-track the project.
The two sides settled their differences last year, after a federal judge refused to stop work at the wind farm to allow more study of how it might affect bats and sage grouse in the area.
Under the settlement, Pattern agreed to expand its program for tracking bird and bat deaths associated with the project. The company also agreed to pay $50,000 for a study of nearby Rose Cave, where more than 1 million Mexican free-tailed bats roost during their fall migration.
In 2010, the developers of the wind farm said they expected fewer than 203 birds and 193 bats to die each year from turbine encounters.
***
Let's hope Forest Hill Energy and Clinton County are paying attention.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Impact of turbines
From Kevon Martis:
"Cary Shineldecker testifies about life inside the Consumer's Energy Lakewinds Energy "Park", their 56 turbine industrial wind plant. This testimony is before Director Steve Bakkal of the Michigan Energy Office, Chairman Quackenbush from the MPSC, as well as hundreds of citizens."
"Cary Shineldecker testifies about life inside the Consumer's Energy Lakewinds Energy "Park", their 56 turbine industrial wind plant. This testimony is before Director Steve Bakkal of the Michigan Energy Office, Chairman Quackenbush from the MPSC, as well as hundreds of citizens."
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Cape Cod community considers removing turbines due to noise and illness
Today Fox News published this article: 'Cape Cod community considers taking down wind turbines after illness, noise'.
Journalist Molly Line writes:
"Two wind turbines towering above the Cape Cod community of Falmouth, Mass., were intended to produce green energy and savings -- but they've created angst and division, and may now be removed at a high cost as neighbors complain of noise and illness.
"It gets to be jet-engine loud," said Falmouth resident Neil Andersen. He and his wife Betsy live just a quarter mile from one of the turbines. They say the impact on their health has been devastating. They're suffering headaches, dizziness and sleep deprivation and often seek to escape the property where they've lived for more than 20 years.
"Every time the blade has a downward motion it gives off a tremendous energy, gives off a pulse," said Andersen. "And that pulse, it gets into your tubular organs, chest cavity, mimics a heartbeat, gives you headaches. It's extremely disturbing and it gets to the point where you have to leave."
The first turbine went up in 2010 and by the time both were in place on the industrial site of the town's water treatment facility, the price was $10 million. Town officials say taking them down will cost an estimated $5 million to $15 million, but that is just what Falmouth's five selectmen have decided to move toward doing.
"The selectmen unanimously voted to remove them. We think it's the right thing to do, absolutely," Selectman David Braga said. "You can't put a monetary value on people's health and that's what's happened here. A lot of people are sick because of these."
Now the matter will go to a town meeting vote in April and could ultimately end up on the ballot during the municipal elections in May.
"It's highly likely that what the voters will be determining is are they willing to tax themselves at an appropriate amount to cover the cost and dismantle and shut down the turbines?" Falmouth Town Manager Julian Suso said.
In the meantime, the turbines are being run on a limited schedule as the selectmen respond to the concerns of nearby neighbors. The turbines only run during the day -- from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. -- which means they're operating at a loss.
The dispute has been a bitter three-year battle in the seaside town where officials argue the project was thoroughly vetted, researched and put to public vote multiple times."
You can read the rest of the article here.
This is with only TWO turbines. What will it be like here with 30, 40, or more?
Journalist Molly Line writes:
"Two wind turbines towering above the Cape Cod community of Falmouth, Mass., were intended to produce green energy and savings -- but they've created angst and division, and may now be removed at a high cost as neighbors complain of noise and illness.
"It gets to be jet-engine loud," said Falmouth resident Neil Andersen. He and his wife Betsy live just a quarter mile from one of the turbines. They say the impact on their health has been devastating. They're suffering headaches, dizziness and sleep deprivation and often seek to escape the property where they've lived for more than 20 years.
"Every time the blade has a downward motion it gives off a tremendous energy, gives off a pulse," said Andersen. "And that pulse, it gets into your tubular organs, chest cavity, mimics a heartbeat, gives you headaches. It's extremely disturbing and it gets to the point where you have to leave."
The first turbine went up in 2010 and by the time both were in place on the industrial site of the town's water treatment facility, the price was $10 million. Town officials say taking them down will cost an estimated $5 million to $15 million, but that is just what Falmouth's five selectmen have decided to move toward doing.
"The selectmen unanimously voted to remove them. We think it's the right thing to do, absolutely," Selectman David Braga said. "You can't put a monetary value on people's health and that's what's happened here. A lot of people are sick because of these."
Now the matter will go to a town meeting vote in April and could ultimately end up on the ballot during the municipal elections in May.
"It's highly likely that what the voters will be determining is are they willing to tax themselves at an appropriate amount to cover the cost and dismantle and shut down the turbines?" Falmouth Town Manager Julian Suso said.
In the meantime, the turbines are being run on a limited schedule as the selectmen respond to the concerns of nearby neighbors. The turbines only run during the day -- from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. -- which means they're operating at a loss.
The dispute has been a bitter three-year battle in the seaside town where officials argue the project was thoroughly vetted, researched and put to public vote multiple times."
You can read the rest of the article here.
This is with only TWO turbines. What will it be like here with 30, 40, or more?
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
What it's like to live with turbines
Kevon Martis writes:
This video shows Cary Shineldecker of Riverton Township in Mason County, MI testifying about life inside the CMS Energy Lakewinds wind plant.
It contains 56 Danish 0-1.8MW V100 turbines. Each device is 476' tall. The closest turbine is 1139 feet from his home. CMS received $73 million in stimulus funding for the $255 million project. The installed cost for this wind project is $2,500/KW, which is 25% higher than the national average. This is because MI must use "low wind" wind turbines due to an average 6.5M/s wind resource, far lower than IA's 8.5M/s resource. This plant will have an annual average capacity of perhaps 25MW.
CMS is currently planning a new CCGT natural gas plant of 700MW capacity, with a price tag of $750 million. It will have an average capacity of nearly 700MW or 28 times more capacity than the wind plant for only 3 times the cost and will actually be able to replace coal generation at a 1:1 ration while slashing emissions.
His home can be seen here. Why must anyone be compelled to live this way without consent or compensation when the devices he now lives with are impotent regarding emissions reduction?
The video is here:
This video shows Cary Shineldecker of Riverton Township in Mason County, MI testifying about life inside the CMS Energy Lakewinds wind plant.
It contains 56 Danish 0-1.8MW V100 turbines. Each device is 476' tall. The closest turbine is 1139 feet from his home. CMS received $73 million in stimulus funding for the $255 million project. The installed cost for this wind project is $2,500/KW, which is 25% higher than the national average. This is because MI must use "low wind" wind turbines due to an average 6.5M/s wind resource, far lower than IA's 8.5M/s resource. This plant will have an annual average capacity of perhaps 25MW.
CMS is currently planning a new CCGT natural gas plant of 700MW capacity, with a price tag of $750 million. It will have an average capacity of nearly 700MW or 28 times more capacity than the wind plant for only 3 times the cost and will actually be able to replace coal generation at a 1:1 ration while slashing emissions.
His home can be seen here. Why must anyone be compelled to live this way without consent or compensation when the devices he now lives with are impotent regarding emissions reduction?
The video is here:
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Wind Rush documentary
Last week the Canadian Broadcasting Channel aired a documentary regarding industrial wind turbines called Wind Rush.
The film's description reads: "A growing anti-wind movement says giant turbines have gone up without sufficient research into health impacts. In the rush to embrace wind power, have the people who live among the wind farms been forgotten?"
It's available in its entirety on YouTube. It's worth your 42 minutes. Please share it with others in our community.
The film's description reads: "A growing anti-wind movement says giant turbines have gone up without sufficient research into health impacts. In the rush to embrace wind power, have the people who live among the wind farms been forgotten?"
It's available in its entirety on YouTube. It's worth your 42 minutes. Please share it with others in our community.
Monday, February 11, 2013
The Wind Power Tax
The Wall Street Journal published an editorial this weekend: "The Wind Power Tax: A regulator socializes transmission-line costs, and a utility fights back."
It begins:
Should businesses and families have to pay higher electricity rates to underwrite the cost of wind energy they don't even use?
That is the issue as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission takes up a complaint by Interstate Power and Light Co. (IPL) that 500,000 rate payers in Iowa and Minnesota will have to pay $170.5 million from 2008-2016 for transmission lines and upgrades to connect wind farms to the electric grid.
The utility provides compelling evidence that "the burden of these huge costs is unrelated to any benefits that may accrue to IPL and its customers." And they are paying even though they "have not experienced any material improvements to reliability or lower energy prices."
The case has ramifications nationwide because the price tag for upgrading and expanding power lines to reach offshore and remote wind turbines could reach $150 billion. The green energy lobby and Obama Administration want to socialize these costs on the backs of all rate payers.
We criticized this stealth consumer tax two years ago ("The Great Transmission Heist," Review and Outlook, November 8, 2010). Michigan rate payers were asked to subsidize about 20% of the $16 billion cost to build wind-based power lines outside the state even though those customers received little benefit. These cost-shifting schemes would seem to violate the Federal Power Act, which says FERC should establish "just and reasonable" rates to cover transmission costs.
Read the rest of the article here.
It begins:
Should businesses and families have to pay higher electricity rates to underwrite the cost of wind energy they don't even use?
That is the issue as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission takes up a complaint by Interstate Power and Light Co. (IPL) that 500,000 rate payers in Iowa and Minnesota will have to pay $170.5 million from 2008-2016 for transmission lines and upgrades to connect wind farms to the electric grid.
The utility provides compelling evidence that "the burden of these huge costs is unrelated to any benefits that may accrue to IPL and its customers." And they are paying even though they "have not experienced any material improvements to reliability or lower energy prices."
The case has ramifications nationwide because the price tag for upgrading and expanding power lines to reach offshore and remote wind turbines could reach $150 billion. The green energy lobby and Obama Administration want to socialize these costs on the backs of all rate payers.
We criticized this stealth consumer tax two years ago ("The Great Transmission Heist," Review and Outlook, November 8, 2010). Michigan rate payers were asked to subsidize about 20% of the $16 billion cost to build wind-based power lines outside the state even though those customers received little benefit. These cost-shifting schemes would seem to violate the Federal Power Act, which says FERC should establish "just and reasonable" rates to cover transmission costs.
Read the rest of the article here.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Study shows turbines exceed ordinance
From Kevon Martis, Director of Interstate Informed Citizens Coalition:
Please note the study below.
Grey Highlands 2012 Wind Turbine Noise Study
At 1800’, this study concludes the turbines violate 40dBa the majority of the time. A quick look at the charts will show they routinely and regularly exceeded 45dBa as well. This is fully consistent with post-construction noise studies from turbine installations around the nation. It is not unique or novel. It is typical. And the noise level will rise a fair amount when adjusted down to Clinton County setbacks instead of the larger 1800’ required in Ontario.
The study was 6 months long.
The sound pressure level varied in direct correlation with the operating speed of the turbine. Extreme weather events were excluded.
Forest Hill Energy would need to have a miracle turbine to ever comply with the Clinton County zoning ordinance, and if any such turbine actually existed it would be a huge hit and turbine noise issues would be a thing of the past.
Please pass this along to your board of commissioners. It is my opinion that Forest Hill Energy has knowingly submitted a study that falsely suggests that their proposed project will meet the county’s wind turbine noise limits when in fact it will (in general terms) only comply when they are not operating.
I think it is fraud. It also means that the likelihood of this turbine project being the subject of litigation for failing to comply with the county’s ordinance is exceedingly high. Forest Hill’s investors could very well be stuck with a project that is ordered to curtail or cease operations all together.
I fail to see how Forest Hill, leaseholders or the county gains from that.
Please note the study below.
Grey Highlands 2012 Wind Turbine Noise Study
At 1800’, this study concludes the turbines violate 40dBa the majority of the time. A quick look at the charts will show they routinely and regularly exceeded 45dBa as well. This is fully consistent with post-construction noise studies from turbine installations around the nation. It is not unique or novel. It is typical. And the noise level will rise a fair amount when adjusted down to Clinton County setbacks instead of the larger 1800’ required in Ontario.
The study was 6 months long.
The sound pressure level varied in direct correlation with the operating speed of the turbine. Extreme weather events were excluded.
Forest Hill Energy would need to have a miracle turbine to ever comply with the Clinton County zoning ordinance, and if any such turbine actually existed it would be a huge hit and turbine noise issues would be a thing of the past.
Please pass this along to your board of commissioners. It is my opinion that Forest Hill Energy has knowingly submitted a study that falsely suggests that their proposed project will meet the county’s wind turbine noise limits when in fact it will (in general terms) only comply when they are not operating.
I think it is fraud. It also means that the likelihood of this turbine project being the subject of litigation for failing to comply with the county’s ordinance is exceedingly high. Forest Hill’s investors could very well be stuck with a project that is ordered to curtail or cease operations all together.
I fail to see how Forest Hill, leaseholders or the county gains from that.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Hello, turbines. Goodbye, eagles.
This article, 'The Fish and Wildlife Service Is Not for the Birds', was printed in today's Wall Street Journal. Here is an excerpt. You can read the entire article here.
-------
On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress, after nearly six years of haggling and numerous design changes, finally approved the Great Seal of the United States. In doing so, it made the bald eagle our national symbol. This year, in the name of clean energy, the Fish and Wildlife Service is considering changing federal rules so that a wind-energy developer can be granted an "incidental-take" permit allowing wind projects to kill bald eagles and golden eagles for up to 30 years.
On Jan. 15, the Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the New Era Wind Farm—a proposed project near Red Wing, Minn.—might kill as many as 14 bald eagles per year. Despite that toll, the agency said the developer of the 48-turbine wind farm could go ahead and apply for an eagle-kill permit. If granted, it could be the first project to get one. At least one other wind-energy concern, Oregon's West Butte Wind Project, also has applied for an incidental-take permit, and others are sure to follow.
The Fish and Wildlife Service said that its estimate for bald eagle kills at the New Era facility was a "worst-case scenario" that "would not damage" the local population of bald eagles. That might be true. Nevertheless, the possibility that federal authorities are willing to issue such a permit once again exposes the double standard at work when it comes to renewable energy.
For years, the wind industry has had de facto permission to violate both the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (which protects 1,000 species) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Federal authorities have never brought a case under either law—despite the Fish and Wildlife Service's estimate that domestic turbines kill some 440,000 birds per year.
While the wind industry enjoys its exemption from prosecution under these federal wildlife laws, the Interior Department has aggressively brought cases against the oil-and-gas industry. In 2011, the Fish and Wildlife Service filed criminal indictments against three drillers who were operating in North Dakota's Bakken field. One of those companies, Continental Resources, was indicted for killing a single bird (a Say's Phoebe) that is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law was adopted in 1918, at a time when several bird species were being decimated by hunters.
Compare the action taken against Continental Resources with the Pine Tree wind project, a three-year-old facility owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Since 2009, nine golden eagle carcasses have been recovered at the project and reported to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Los Angeles Times reporter Louis Sahagun reported on Feb. 16, 2012, that at least six of the birds had been struck by turbine blades. Yet there have been no indictments. Jill Birchell, special agent in charge of law enforcement for the Fish and Wildlife Service in California and Nevada refused to comment on the Pine Tree case, other than to tell me that "it is an ongoing criminal investigation."
-------
This article is particularly disturbing because we have just seen a resurgence of bald eagles in our area. After personally not seeing them for the last 30 years, we now have a family of bald eagles that we've frequently been seeing. Neighbors have been trading stories of bald eagle sightings, and people have been emailing around pictures of them when they're able to take them.
Now, with the turbines coming, they will most likely be wiped out. Not to mention the other birds.
There was an article in the Clinton County News today by Steven Reed about the commission passing the wind turbine resolution. Project developer Tim Brown of Forest Hill Energy "declined to comment when asked about the remaining obstacle - special ordinances passed by the Essex, Dallas, and Bengal Township boards."
Our desire to protect ourselves, our homes, and our wildlife from turbines is just an 'obstacle'.
-------
On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress, after nearly six years of haggling and numerous design changes, finally approved the Great Seal of the United States. In doing so, it made the bald eagle our national symbol. This year, in the name of clean energy, the Fish and Wildlife Service is considering changing federal rules so that a wind-energy developer can be granted an "incidental-take" permit allowing wind projects to kill bald eagles and golden eagles for up to 30 years.
On Jan. 15, the Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the New Era Wind Farm—a proposed project near Red Wing, Minn.—might kill as many as 14 bald eagles per year. Despite that toll, the agency said the developer of the 48-turbine wind farm could go ahead and apply for an eagle-kill permit. If granted, it could be the first project to get one. At least one other wind-energy concern, Oregon's West Butte Wind Project, also has applied for an incidental-take permit, and others are sure to follow.
The Fish and Wildlife Service said that its estimate for bald eagle kills at the New Era facility was a "worst-case scenario" that "would not damage" the local population of bald eagles. That might be true. Nevertheless, the possibility that federal authorities are willing to issue such a permit once again exposes the double standard at work when it comes to renewable energy.
For years, the wind industry has had de facto permission to violate both the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (which protects 1,000 species) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Federal authorities have never brought a case under either law—despite the Fish and Wildlife Service's estimate that domestic turbines kill some 440,000 birds per year.
While the wind industry enjoys its exemption from prosecution under these federal wildlife laws, the Interior Department has aggressively brought cases against the oil-and-gas industry. In 2011, the Fish and Wildlife Service filed criminal indictments against three drillers who were operating in North Dakota's Bakken field. One of those companies, Continental Resources, was indicted for killing a single bird (a Say's Phoebe) that is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law was adopted in 1918, at a time when several bird species were being decimated by hunters.
Compare the action taken against Continental Resources with the Pine Tree wind project, a three-year-old facility owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Since 2009, nine golden eagle carcasses have been recovered at the project and reported to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Los Angeles Times reporter Louis Sahagun reported on Feb. 16, 2012, that at least six of the birds had been struck by turbine blades. Yet there have been no indictments. Jill Birchell, special agent in charge of law enforcement for the Fish and Wildlife Service in California and Nevada refused to comment on the Pine Tree case, other than to tell me that "it is an ongoing criminal investigation."
-------
This article is particularly disturbing because we have just seen a resurgence of bald eagles in our area. After personally not seeing them for the last 30 years, we now have a family of bald eagles that we've frequently been seeing. Neighbors have been trading stories of bald eagle sightings, and people have been emailing around pictures of them when they're able to take them.
Now, with the turbines coming, they will most likely be wiped out. Not to mention the other birds.
There was an article in the Clinton County News today by Steven Reed about the commission passing the wind turbine resolution. Project developer Tim Brown of Forest Hill Energy "declined to comment when asked about the remaining obstacle - special ordinances passed by the Essex, Dallas, and Bengal Township boards."
Our desire to protect ourselves, our homes, and our wildlife from turbines is just an 'obstacle'.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The rumors were right
At today's meeting, the commissioners voted 5-2 to approve Forest Hill Energy's application.
We'd like to offer a sincere thank you to Kam Washburn and Adam Stacey for voting no. Thank you so much for listening to us, educating yourself, and accurately representing the public.
Dave Pohl, Bruce DeLong, Jack Enderle, Robert Showers, and Eileen Heideman all voted to approve the turbines coming into our county. They apparently didn't listen to us, didn't educate themselves on wind turbines, and don't care that the application doesn't meet the ordinance.
Forest Hill Energy will now go to the townships.
To stay informed, please write your address in the 'FOLLOW BY EMAIL' box on the right hand side of the page. The blog posts will be automatically emailed to you.
We'd like to offer a sincere thank you to Kam Washburn and Adam Stacey for voting no. Thank you so much for listening to us, educating yourself, and accurately representing the public.
Dave Pohl, Bruce DeLong, Jack Enderle, Robert Showers, and Eileen Heideman all voted to approve the turbines coming into our county. They apparently didn't listen to us, didn't educate themselves on wind turbines, and don't care that the application doesn't meet the ordinance.
Forest Hill Energy will now go to the townships.
To stay informed, please write your address in the 'FOLLOW BY EMAIL' box on the right hand side of the page. The blog posts will be automatically emailed to you.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Meeting tomorrow
Just a reminder: the Clinton County Board of Commissioners is meeting tomorrow - Tuesday, Jan 29 at 9:00 a.m. They will be in the Clinton County Board of Commissioner's Room, Courthouse, 2nd Floor, 100 E. State Street, St. Johns.
The resolution to approve Forest Hill's special land use and site plan is online here.
An excerpt of the online resolution:
"The Community Development Department shall verify compliance with all standards set forth in the Zoning Ordinance (specifically Sections 715 & 1341) prior to issuing any permits, including construction or occupancy permits. Kolano & Saha Engineers, Inc., was retained to assess compliance of the project with the audible sound limitations of the Ordinance and has substantiated that the maximum audible sound limitations from nonparticipating single-family residences has the potential to exceed the requirement less than 1% of the operational time. (See Kolano & Saha Engineers, Inc., letters attached). The Planning Commission and now the Board of Commissioners have determined that the potential to exceed the maximum audible sound limitation less than 1% of the operational time constitutes a short-term event as permitted by the Zoning Ordinance. Maximum audible noise requirements from non-participating property lines are determined to be in compliance."
That's us - the non-participators. We'll see tomorrow if the county will protect us or let us be harmed by this wind turbine company.
Please attend if you are able. If you cannot attend, please contact your commissioner before the meeting. Their contact information is on our site's previous post.
Thank you.
The resolution to approve Forest Hill's special land use and site plan is online here.
An excerpt of the online resolution:
"The Community Development Department shall verify compliance with all standards set forth in the Zoning Ordinance (specifically Sections 715 & 1341) prior to issuing any permits, including construction or occupancy permits. Kolano & Saha Engineers, Inc., was retained to assess compliance of the project with the audible sound limitations of the Ordinance and has substantiated that the maximum audible sound limitations from nonparticipating single-family residences has the potential to exceed the requirement less than 1% of the operational time. (See Kolano & Saha Engineers, Inc., letters attached). The Planning Commission and now the Board of Commissioners have determined that the potential to exceed the maximum audible sound limitation less than 1% of the operational time constitutes a short-term event as permitted by the Zoning Ordinance. Maximum audible noise requirements from non-participating property lines are determined to be in compliance."
That's us - the non-participators. We'll see tomorrow if the county will protect us or let us be harmed by this wind turbine company.
Please attend if you are able. If you cannot attend, please contact your commissioner before the meeting. Their contact information is on our site's previous post.
Thank you.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Contact your commissioner today
Attention Essex, Dallas, and Bengal Townships:
The Clinton County Board of Commissioners is going to have a meeting Tuesday, Jan 29 on the Forest Hill Energy application. It's at 9:00 a.m. - a time most of us will obviously be unable to attend.
Please take the time today to contact your commissioner. Kam Washburn is a new representative to Essex Township. He doesn't know what we think about the turbines. Please take the time to email him or call him. When you do email, feel free to send one to us as well and we'll post it here.
Dave Pohl's number and email (Dallas and Bengal) are also listed below.
So far, the Clinton County representatives have completely ignored the townships. Don't let them ignore us any longer.
District No. 1
Lebanon, Essex, Greenbush, Duplain and Ovid Townships (Population 10,872)
Kam J. Washburn (R), 5201 E. French Road, Elsie, MI 48831
Ph: (989) 862-5565 Term Exps: 12/31/2014
Email: wash@mutualdata.com
District No. 2
Dallas, Bengal, Westphalia, Riley, Eagle Townships and that part of City of Grand Ledge (Population 10,619)
David W. Pohl (R), 1180 S. Hinman Road, Fowler 48835
PH. (989) 593-2688 Term Exps: 12/31/2014
Email: dwpohl@yahoo.com
The Clinton County Board of Commissioners is going to have a meeting Tuesday, Jan 29 on the Forest Hill Energy application. It's at 9:00 a.m. - a time most of us will obviously be unable to attend.
Please take the time today to contact your commissioner. Kam Washburn is a new representative to Essex Township. He doesn't know what we think about the turbines. Please take the time to email him or call him. When you do email, feel free to send one to us as well and we'll post it here.
Dave Pohl's number and email (Dallas and Bengal) are also listed below.
So far, the Clinton County representatives have completely ignored the townships. Don't let them ignore us any longer.
District No. 1
Lebanon, Essex, Greenbush, Duplain and Ovid Townships (Population 10,872)
Kam J. Washburn (R), 5201 E. French Road, Elsie, MI 48831
Ph: (989) 862-5565 Term Exps: 12/31/2014
Email: wash@mutualdata.com
District No. 2
Dallas, Bengal, Westphalia, Riley, Eagle Townships and that part of City of Grand Ledge (Population 10,619)
David W. Pohl (R), 1180 S. Hinman Road, Fowler 48835
PH. (989) 593-2688 Term Exps: 12/31/2014
Email: dwpohl@yahoo.com
Curt Devlin: 'Blaming the Victims of Big Wind'
Curt Devlin wrote an article called, 'Blaming the Victims of Big Wind'. You can read the article here. He writes:
During my years at Boston College, I had the good fortune to study with Dr. William Ryan, then Professor of Social Psychology and author of the acclaimed book, “Blaming the Victim.” At the time of its writing, Dr. Ryan focused attention on pressing social issues of the day, such as poverty and racism.
He contended, for example, that we blame the poor for poverty and that we blame minorities for their own disfranchisement. We fault victims for somehow inviting the social inequities they endure. In effect, we hide behind an ideological façade rather than face our responsibilities to redress these injustices.
Lately, I have been struck by how Dr. Ryan’s description of this phenomenon applies to the victims of Big Wind—to those who have become ill or were forced to flee their homes to escape the toxic effects of industrial wind turbines sited in close proximity to them.
Just as we blame the poor for their poverty, we seem compelled to blame the victims of Big Wind for their own illness. Apostles of the wind industry, like Dr. Dora Mills, Dr. Robert McCunney, and Australia’s Professor Simon Chapman, are only too happy to furnish the tacit explanations needed to justify blaming these victims for their own plight. These typically include psychosomatic causes, hypochondria, delusions, and other forms of mental illness. Interestingly, these “diagnoses” are always arrived at without benefit of examining a single patient, conducting an independent study, or even speaking with those suffering adverse health effects.
It is guilt is by reason of insanity. In this inverted logic, the victims are to blame, not the turbines.
In some cases, we are told the illness associated with these toxic monsters is actually caused merely by the negative perceptions created when someone is ill-disposed to renewable energy—as though anyone could be against such an idea in principle.
The justification for blame is particularly absurd and reprehensible because it flies in the face of a simple fact. Most of the people who become ill were actually in favor of wind energy; that is, until they gained firsthand experience of turbines spinning near their homes.
Why are so many ready to blame the victims of wind? Why so willing to receive these explanations without skepticism, without demanding the same scientific rigor demanded of wind critics? Dr. Ryan’s work is especially useful on this question. The answer is simple; it is a convenient form of social denial. People prefer blaming victims over taking responsibility for confronting the real issue. It is much easier, for example, to blame someone in poverty for laziness, than to accept responsibility to find the true causes of economic inequities, much less take action to correct them.
This pitfall is easier to fall into than one might think. It is easy to believe that if we feed the hungry, we risk rewarding them for being hungry. It’s much harder to make sure they find ways to help them feed themselves. Accepting personal or social responsibility requires change, action, or personal sacrifice to effect positive change or prevent harm. It forces people to confront the contradictions and absurdities in their dogmas and replace them with facts, to reject social delusions and face inconvenient truths.
In short, it is much, much easier to blame the victims—than ourselves.
The overwhelming body of medical and scientific evidence demonstrates that infrasound, low frequency noise, and vibration of the kind produced by industrial wind turbines cause serious adverse health effects. The evidence has mounted steadily for more than 30 years. It shows compellingly that the symptoms and illnesses called Wind Turbine Syndrome and Vibro-Acoustic Disease are caused by exposure to this toxic form of sound energy. Despite the vocal denials of the wind industry, there are no independent studies of merit to contradict this finding. There are only the groundless, though profuse, assertions and rhetoric of the windy industry assuring us that their denial of the real dangers is well founded.
There is also incontrovertible evidence that industrial wind turbines produce excessive quantities of this dangerous form of sound and vibration. Recently, the wind industry itself is being forced to gradually admit this fact. But even if the underlying causal connection were a complete mystery, the simple empirical evidence that many, many people become ill when they are near turbines is undeniable to anyone with eyes, ears, or one iota of common sense. Of equal importance, the same people who become ill near turbines, feel better when they get away from them. This simple form of evidence, referred to as case-crossover data by epidemiologists, matches common sense. It furnishes irrefutable proof that, in fact, the turbines are to blame, not the victims.
Wind turbines cannot eliminate our dependency on fossil fuels. They will not reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases, nor save us from climate change. Wind turbines are not safe, they are not clean, and they have proven to be economically unsustainable—time and time again. Wind power will not prevent irreparable harms to people as well as the environment caused by our own insatiable appetite for energy. Wind cannot alleviate our obligation to one another to use energy wisely and conservatively.
There is virtually no benefit to justify the harm caused to victims. Even if such benefits existed, they could hardly outweigh the harm being done to people. If we continue blaming the victims and denying this truth, we will soon become victims of our own devices. This ironic little reversal of fate is what Hegel referred to as dialectic, and it is inevitable. We will become the victims of our own blindness and we will be blamed for it—though perhaps only by history.
This last thought is cold comfort to those who must face the steady erosion of their health, their families’ and financial reserves, and the destruction of their very livelihoods that is created by living too close to turbines. The victims of Big Wind are like so many canaries in the mine shaft, who flee or fall in the face of this industrial toxin. Those who blame them are like unwitting miners who stand staring dumbfounded at the obvious, wondering what these canaries have done to bring this catastrophe upon themselves—and then continue along their merry way down the mine shaft, oblivious to the clear and present danger as though they are immune to it. Until it is too late.
***
There are many reasons why people don't want turbines here. Wildlife harm, human health effects, lowered property values, safety, aesthetics ... Clinton County, are you listening?
During my years at Boston College, I had the good fortune to study with Dr. William Ryan, then Professor of Social Psychology and author of the acclaimed book, “Blaming the Victim.” At the time of its writing, Dr. Ryan focused attention on pressing social issues of the day, such as poverty and racism.
He contended, for example, that we blame the poor for poverty and that we blame minorities for their own disfranchisement. We fault victims for somehow inviting the social inequities they endure. In effect, we hide behind an ideological façade rather than face our responsibilities to redress these injustices.
Lately, I have been struck by how Dr. Ryan’s description of this phenomenon applies to the victims of Big Wind—to those who have become ill or were forced to flee their homes to escape the toxic effects of industrial wind turbines sited in close proximity to them.
Just as we blame the poor for their poverty, we seem compelled to blame the victims of Big Wind for their own illness. Apostles of the wind industry, like Dr. Dora Mills, Dr. Robert McCunney, and Australia’s Professor Simon Chapman, are only too happy to furnish the tacit explanations needed to justify blaming these victims for their own plight. These typically include psychosomatic causes, hypochondria, delusions, and other forms of mental illness. Interestingly, these “diagnoses” are always arrived at without benefit of examining a single patient, conducting an independent study, or even speaking with those suffering adverse health effects.
It is guilt is by reason of insanity. In this inverted logic, the victims are to blame, not the turbines.
In some cases, we are told the illness associated with these toxic monsters is actually caused merely by the negative perceptions created when someone is ill-disposed to renewable energy—as though anyone could be against such an idea in principle.
The justification for blame is particularly absurd and reprehensible because it flies in the face of a simple fact. Most of the people who become ill were actually in favor of wind energy; that is, until they gained firsthand experience of turbines spinning near their homes.
Why are so many ready to blame the victims of wind? Why so willing to receive these explanations without skepticism, without demanding the same scientific rigor demanded of wind critics? Dr. Ryan’s work is especially useful on this question. The answer is simple; it is a convenient form of social denial. People prefer blaming victims over taking responsibility for confronting the real issue. It is much easier, for example, to blame someone in poverty for laziness, than to accept responsibility to find the true causes of economic inequities, much less take action to correct them.
This pitfall is easier to fall into than one might think. It is easy to believe that if we feed the hungry, we risk rewarding them for being hungry. It’s much harder to make sure they find ways to help them feed themselves. Accepting personal or social responsibility requires change, action, or personal sacrifice to effect positive change or prevent harm. It forces people to confront the contradictions and absurdities in their dogmas and replace them with facts, to reject social delusions and face inconvenient truths.
In short, it is much, much easier to blame the victims—than ourselves.
The overwhelming body of medical and scientific evidence demonstrates that infrasound, low frequency noise, and vibration of the kind produced by industrial wind turbines cause serious adverse health effects. The evidence has mounted steadily for more than 30 years. It shows compellingly that the symptoms and illnesses called Wind Turbine Syndrome and Vibro-Acoustic Disease are caused by exposure to this toxic form of sound energy. Despite the vocal denials of the wind industry, there are no independent studies of merit to contradict this finding. There are only the groundless, though profuse, assertions and rhetoric of the windy industry assuring us that their denial of the real dangers is well founded.
There is also incontrovertible evidence that industrial wind turbines produce excessive quantities of this dangerous form of sound and vibration. Recently, the wind industry itself is being forced to gradually admit this fact. But even if the underlying causal connection were a complete mystery, the simple empirical evidence that many, many people become ill when they are near turbines is undeniable to anyone with eyes, ears, or one iota of common sense. Of equal importance, the same people who become ill near turbines, feel better when they get away from them. This simple form of evidence, referred to as case-crossover data by epidemiologists, matches common sense. It furnishes irrefutable proof that, in fact, the turbines are to blame, not the victims.
Wind turbines cannot eliminate our dependency on fossil fuels. They will not reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases, nor save us from climate change. Wind turbines are not safe, they are not clean, and they have proven to be economically unsustainable—time and time again. Wind power will not prevent irreparable harms to people as well as the environment caused by our own insatiable appetite for energy. Wind cannot alleviate our obligation to one another to use energy wisely and conservatively.
There is virtually no benefit to justify the harm caused to victims. Even if such benefits existed, they could hardly outweigh the harm being done to people. If we continue blaming the victims and denying this truth, we will soon become victims of our own devices. This ironic little reversal of fate is what Hegel referred to as dialectic, and it is inevitable. We will become the victims of our own blindness and we will be blamed for it—though perhaps only by history.
This last thought is cold comfort to those who must face the steady erosion of their health, their families’ and financial reserves, and the destruction of their very livelihoods that is created by living too close to turbines. The victims of Big Wind are like so many canaries in the mine shaft, who flee or fall in the face of this industrial toxin. Those who blame them are like unwitting miners who stand staring dumbfounded at the obvious, wondering what these canaries have done to bring this catastrophe upon themselves—and then continue along their merry way down the mine shaft, oblivious to the clear and present danger as though they are immune to it. Until it is too late.
***
There are many reasons why people don't want turbines here. Wildlife harm, human health effects, lowered property values, safety, aesthetics ... Clinton County, are you listening?
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Townships will not forget
January 16, 2013
Clinton County Planning Commission
St Johns MI 48879
Commission Members:
I am sure I speak for most of the people who attended your January 10 meeting when I say I have never left a meeting more dismayed, disappointed, and stunned. It was apparent that nothing the citizens had to say was going to make any difference in your actions. Word is now out in the community that the County Board of Commissioners feels the same way and will approve Forest Hill Energy’s permit to build wind turbines. Why do the people even bother?
These are not the words you spoke at the meeting, but this is what your action said:
We know your property values will plummet; we don’t care. We don’t live in your townships.
We know some of you will suffer adverse health effects. We don’t care. We don’t live close by.
We know you don’t want to hear or see the windmills in your backyards. It doesn’t matter.
We know you have presented facts and figures and studies. It doesn’t matter. We hold all the power
and you have no say.
We know wind energy is not efficient and your electricity costs will eventually skyrocket. We don’t care.
We know you are passionate about what happens to your beloved community. It doesn’t affect us.
We know many of you have just recently learned about the wind turbine project and the opposition
movement is growing daily. We don’t care. We’ve worked on it for years and we are sick of it and want to move on.
We hear the stories from people who live in communities that already have turbines. We hear how old ladies with arthritis are forced to sleep on their basement floor to try to escape the vibrations. We don’t care.
We know that we are here to serve the citizens of the county. We choose Forest Hill Energy. You don’t matter.
We hear you speak, plead, and urge us to deny the permit. It doesn’t matter. The almighty dollar
speaks louder than you.
The residents of Bengal, Dallas and Essex Townships are not going to forget how have been treated. We did learn something, however. It does no good to take the time to attend meetings and present our
case. Sadly, our words fall on deaf ears.
Cherie Anderson
Clinton County Planning Commission
St Johns MI 48879
Commission Members:
I am sure I speak for most of the people who attended your January 10 meeting when I say I have never left a meeting more dismayed, disappointed, and stunned. It was apparent that nothing the citizens had to say was going to make any difference in your actions. Word is now out in the community that the County Board of Commissioners feels the same way and will approve Forest Hill Energy’s permit to build wind turbines. Why do the people even bother?
These are not the words you spoke at the meeting, but this is what your action said:
We know your property values will plummet; we don’t care. We don’t live in your townships.
We know some of you will suffer adverse health effects. We don’t care. We don’t live close by.
We know you don’t want to hear or see the windmills in your backyards. It doesn’t matter.
We know you have presented facts and figures and studies. It doesn’t matter. We hold all the power
and you have no say.
We know wind energy is not efficient and your electricity costs will eventually skyrocket. We don’t care.
We know you are passionate about what happens to your beloved community. It doesn’t affect us.
We know many of you have just recently learned about the wind turbine project and the opposition
movement is growing daily. We don’t care. We’ve worked on it for years and we are sick of it and want to move on.
We hear the stories from people who live in communities that already have turbines. We hear how old ladies with arthritis are forced to sleep on their basement floor to try to escape the vibrations. We don’t care.
We know that we are here to serve the citizens of the county. We choose Forest Hill Energy. You don’t matter.
We hear you speak, plead, and urge us to deny the permit. It doesn’t matter. The almighty dollar
speaks louder than you.
The residents of Bengal, Dallas and Essex Townships are not going to forget how have been treated. We did learn something, however. It does no good to take the time to attend meetings and present our
case. Sadly, our words fall on deaf ears.
Cherie Anderson
Cary Shineldecker and the horror of his turbine-filled landscape
Wind Wise Radio interviewed Cary Shineldecker of Ludington, Michigan on their January 20, 2013 show.
Cary said, "I am a resident caught in the middle of a wind development. Not only do these ruin our lives, but they ruin everything in nature we hold sacred. Wildlife, scenery, and the value of quiet places for generations to come. Put an end to this madness. Turbines cannot even create enough energy to pay for themselves. Stop development now."
Cary was kind enough to attend the Clinton County Planning & Zoning meeting and spoke about how negatively the turbines have affected his county. (Unfortunately, the commission members ignored him and voted to foist these on our community as well.)
Cary begins speaking at the 5:00 minute mark. He lives three miles from Lake Michigan in a quiet, rural area, with rolling hills filled with orchards. They had abundant wildlife - bobcats, eagles, ducks, deer, etc.
Now everything has changed. He is surrounded. He can see 18 turbines from his living room, and 29 from his front porch. He has 5 within a half mile, 13 within a mile, and 26 within a mile and a half. He doesn't hear anything natural anymore. Just mechanical noises. He said it has completely changed his world.
He said one thing he never knew is that even when the turbines aren't running, they make noise. Heaters, coolers, and fans inside the towers are the loudest sound outside all the time. He said it's constant and in every direction.
His son can't sleep due to pressure and headaches. He and his wife have developed constant headaches and ear pressure. Everyone wakes up. On gusty nights he and his wife sleep on an air mattress in the basement to try and get away from the noise and vibration.
Cary said he has a sound measuring instrument. When it's the loudest he routinely measures the sound at over 45 and in the low 50s. He's put in several complaints. With every complaint, they tell him it's not applicable. The company has a year to perform their own students, so the company has a year to run the turbines at full power, in any direction, however they want, without having to worry about compliance. He has made complaints on other factors too, and their response is 'Not Applicable.'
He said it's a big fight he didn't ask for. But for two and a half years, he's been fighting it every day of his life. He said he's not going to back down.
He ended with these words: "My community is filled with gracious, good, hardworking people who were born here, lived here, loved it here, and wanted to die here. And now they want nothing more than to leave."
Listen to Cary's testimony here.
Cary said, "I am a resident caught in the middle of a wind development. Not only do these ruin our lives, but they ruin everything in nature we hold sacred. Wildlife, scenery, and the value of quiet places for generations to come. Put an end to this madness. Turbines cannot even create enough energy to pay for themselves. Stop development now."
Cary was kind enough to attend the Clinton County Planning & Zoning meeting and spoke about how negatively the turbines have affected his county. (Unfortunately, the commission members ignored him and voted to foist these on our community as well.)
Cary begins speaking at the 5:00 minute mark. He lives three miles from Lake Michigan in a quiet, rural area, with rolling hills filled with orchards. They had abundant wildlife - bobcats, eagles, ducks, deer, etc.
Now everything has changed. He is surrounded. He can see 18 turbines from his living room, and 29 from his front porch. He has 5 within a half mile, 13 within a mile, and 26 within a mile and a half. He doesn't hear anything natural anymore. Just mechanical noises. He said it has completely changed his world.
He said one thing he never knew is that even when the turbines aren't running, they make noise. Heaters, coolers, and fans inside the towers are the loudest sound outside all the time. He said it's constant and in every direction.
His son can't sleep due to pressure and headaches. He and his wife have developed constant headaches and ear pressure. Everyone wakes up. On gusty nights he and his wife sleep on an air mattress in the basement to try and get away from the noise and vibration.
Cary said he has a sound measuring instrument. When it's the loudest he routinely measures the sound at over 45 and in the low 50s. He's put in several complaints. With every complaint, they tell him it's not applicable. The company has a year to perform their own students, so the company has a year to run the turbines at full power, in any direction, however they want, without having to worry about compliance. He has made complaints on other factors too, and their response is 'Not Applicable.'
He said it's a big fight he didn't ask for. But for two and a half years, he's been fighting it every day of his life. He said he's not going to back down.
He ended with these words: "My community is filled with gracious, good, hardworking people who were born here, lived here, loved it here, and wanted to die here. And now they want nothing more than to leave."
Listen to Cary's testimony here.
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