Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine
Friday, September 10, 2010
MAINE VOICES
Wind power myths blow away
ANGUS KING
BRUNSWICK – There's an old saying that if you say something that's not true often enough, people will start to believe it. Unfortunately, that seems to be happening in Maine with wind power.
A crew from Reed & Reed Inc. of Woolwich lifts a rotor for a 263-foot wind turbine on Stetson Mountain in Washington County recently. The Stetson wind farm is expected to be operating by late this year.
Courtesy Reed & Reed
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angus King of Brunswick, a former independent governor of Maine, is a principal in Independence Wind, a Maine-based wind-power developer.
Opponents write letters to the editor and have press conferences alleging dark conspiracies and using scary words like destruction, vibration, industrial (this is a favorite), and even a new ''disease.''
I haven't heard them blame the demise of the Red Sox last fall on windmills yet, but it could come any day.
SETTING THINGS STRAIGHT
So, here's a shot at setting the record straight on a few of the myths now circulating:
• Myth 1. Building wind turbines ''destroys'' the mountains. Jonathan Carter recently made a big deal about a project ''removing'' fill from the mountain.
Yes, dirt and rock will be moved from one place to another in building the gravel access road and foundations.
But the amount of material actually removed from the mountain and taken somewhere else: Zero.
The foundation of a modern wind turbine is actually surprisingly small – a circle of concrete 24 feet across and 5 feet deep. That's about the size of the cellar hole of a really small house.
To see the real deal, Carter should go to West Virginia, where they are cutting mountains away altogether to get at the coal. Now that's destruction.
• Myth 2. The sound can be heard for miles. No. If your house is too close to the turbines, just like if you are too close to a highway, airport, or college dorm on a Saturday night, you will hear them. It's all about the setbacks.
Our law is pretty restrictive on this, but several of the early wind projects in Maine got waivers from the noise limits and there are neighbors who are hearing them and are pretty upset. But allow sufficient setbacks – our experience indicates that around half a mile is about right – and sound will very rarely, if ever, be a problem. Hear them from ''miles''? Never.
• Myth 3. The wind power law passed in 2007 was snuck through the Legislature, came from a task force stacked with wind power advocates, and somehow cuts the people out of the process.
First, as I can attest from hard experience, nothing sneaks through the Maine Legislature – if they pass something (unanimously in this case) it's pretty sure they think it's a good idea. As for that shady task force (which held 12 public meetings), there were 17 members, only two of whom had any connection with the wind industry.
The other 15 were legislators, private citizens and representatives of groups like the Appalachian Mountain Club, Maine Audubon and the Natural Resources Council (these last three having been staunch opponents of the Reddington wind project rejected by the state in 2006).
And as to people being somehow disenfranchised, our project in Roxbury was the subject of 27 public meetings, two full town meetings (where the citizens voted in favor of the project both times) and three public meetings with the Department of Environmental Protection present. It's hard to imagine a more public process.
• Myth 4. Wind turbines will make you sick. If your house is too close (as mentioned above), the sound can be annoying, which can result in symptoms like irritability and anxiety (exactly as if you were too close to an airport).
But if you're a reasonable distance away, the suggestion that the turning blades send forth some kind of mysterious and dangerous emanations has no scientific support whatsoever.
In fact, every independent analysis of this issue (in Ohio, Wisconsin, New Zealand, Massachusetts, and our own Maine Center for Disease Control, among others) has concluded that there is no evidence of any health effects beyond those associated with the annoyance of being too close to any sound source.
There are other charges, so for more information on things like lights, shadow flicker, birds or wildlife, check out www.recordhillwind.com/faq. (If you want to see how terrifying windmills are to animals, go to Google images for ''wind turbines cows'').
A DANGEROUS DEPENDENCE
The fact is that Maine is dangerously dependent upon fossil fuels – 55 percent of our electricity and over 85 percent of our total energy comes from oil and gas – 100 percent of which is imported, often from people who don't like us.
To me, it just makes sense to tap an energy source we have in abundance in-state, not as the whole answer, but at least as a step in the right direction.
Talking about climate change and energy independence won't get it done; it will take real action – and maybe even a little change.
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85 COMMENTS
said...
Gee, an unbiased source. How much money does your company stand to make from windmills, Angus?
February 21, 2010 at 5:10 AM Report abuse
mainecommenter said...
Well articulated, Governor King. Yeah, the "industrial" pejorative somehow got traction in this newspaper and the BDN. I can't believe some of the frothing, teeth gnashing, and downright weird comments that I read about wind power. Maine has got to change.
February 21, 2010 at 7:58 AM Report abuse
Peter Troast said...
Thanks, Angus, for so clearly debunking the increasingly well-polished script of the anti-wind folks. While it is understandable that people will resist any form of development near their summer camps, they need to be called out for their lack of practical alternatives. As you point out, Maine's energy mix and dependence on oil is unlike any other state in the country. Maine is hobbled by energy costs now. We'll be completely crippled if we don't move now to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
February 21, 2010 at 8:36 AM Report abuse
said...
King has made millions from Big Wind and he stands to make 10's of millions more.People who live near these behemoth monstrosities are coming down with all kinds of illnesses and maladies. King is disengenuous when he says otherwise.Addionally, he says nothing about how inefficient these things are and how much energy is consumed by the back up generators that are needed when the wind does not "blow". This industry would never be viable if not for the huge taxpayer funded subsidies that go directly into the pockets of King and his Big Wind friends. Big Wind is a scam and King knows it. We need to override King and Baldacci and start negotiating with Quebec hydro in order to utilize a much cheaper source of power that does mutilate our landscapes nor sicken our children.
February 21, 2010 at 9:25 AM Report abuse
mainecommenter said...
Rejoinder to "said": "King has made millions from Big Wind and he stands to make 10's of millions more.'
February 21, 2010 at 10:17 AM Report abuse
Jack_Pine said...
Google Citizens' Task Force on Wind Power to see the other side. Angus could lose millions, so he'll say anything.
February 21, 2010 at 10:18 AM Report abuse
mainecommenter said...
Rejoinder to "said": "People who live near these behemoth monstrosities are coming down with all kinds of illnesses and maladies.'
February 21, 2010 at 10:22 AM Report abuse
$comment.name said...
"said..." said: (King) says nothing about how inefficient these things are and how much energy is consumed by the back up generators that are needed when the wind does not "blow". This industry would never be viable if not for the huge taxpayer funded subsidies..." I did not see any debunking of the "myth" that it would take 4,000 to 7,000 of these windmills to replace one power plant. And then you still need the power plant for the two-thirds of the time when the wind isn't blowing good enough. What about the "myth" that the windmills are made in Spain, and CMP is owned by Spain? Sure, there a NIMBY-ist kooks just like there are with cellphone towers, but you'd have to be a fool to NOT be a nimbyist when the monstrosity you're objecting to is just being done to satisfy a bunch of misguided arrogant politicians trying to attract some pork.
February 21, 2010 at 10:32 AM Report abuse
use less said...
Complaints of noise and low frequency pulsing sounds by people living near industrial wind projects around the world show that King is lying about the noise impacts. Check out what residents of Vinalhaven, ME have to say about noise from 3 turbines installed there in Nov '09. http://www.dixmontwind.org/home/vinalhaven-lessons-learned Or listen to this Australian news report about illness from turbine noise that they are calling "Waubra disease" http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/02/19/2825235.htm The industrial wind scam is about collecting subsidies, tax credits, renewable energy credits, gov't grants and higher electric rates. The only thing green about it is the money King and other INDUSTRIAL WIND developers will make at our expense.
February 21, 2010 at 10:47 AM Report abuse
mainecommenter said...
Some of the outrageous claims of opponents would make even the coal and oil industries blush. Add anti-immigration ot he mix and such is the state of the modern environmental movement. Sheesh.
February 21, 2010 at 11:09 AM Report abuse
factsfirst said...
get the facts - and not from those who continue to make big money out of this. nor from those who don't live near turbine sites or who have no interest in impacts on the env't. turbines are filled with oil - 200-250 gals of it/turbine - when they "go" (as the Eur ones have with age) it is an env'l disaster....want that in your woods/yard/water? don't blame deer decline on coyotes - blame it on habitat loss. what effects does turbine noise have on our wildlife? no one seems to be studying this...
February 21, 2010 at 11:16 AM Report abuse
factsfirst said...
Wind farms go up based on what environmental consultants end up reporting to the companies that hire them. There appears to be NO regulation or licensing for environmental consulting in Maine. And many people claiming to be experts are not trained in the expertise they need to do the work. Some consultants even declare in their advertising that they work for the wind industry, and even claim to 'guarantee' permitting. How objective is that? and we put our trust in these people?
February 21, 2010 at 11:24 AM Report abuse
lordpeter said...
Maine has more power than we need. We export power. All this environmental destruction will be for more power to be exported. And our rates will go up to pay for new high voltage lines needed to export it. Duh. Gosh, Mr. King, that sounds like SUCH a good deal for Mainers. NOT!
February 21, 2010 at 12:00 PM Report abuse
Jack_Pine said...
FOLLOW THE MONEY and you will know why wind has its supporters. According to Mr Schapiro, carbon trading is now the fastest growing commodities market on earth. Since Kyoto signatories bought in to the cap and trade concept in 2005, there have been more than $300bn carbon transactions, prompting several investment banks, including Goldman Sachs and Barclays, to set up their own carbon trading desks. But that’s just the start. If President Obama and his supporters can institute a cap-and-trade system in the United States – and that’s a big if for this increasingly marooned presidency – demand could explode into a $2 to $3 trillion market. http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jeremywarner/100003851/here-comes-the-next-bubble-carbon-trading/
February 21, 2010 at 12:01 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
mainecommenter said...February 21, 2010 at 7:58 AM: “I can't believe some of the frothing, teeth gnashing, and downright weird comments that I read about wind power.” Sooo… ya think some people might be upset ???
February 21, 2010 at 12:08 PM Report abuse
mainecommenter said...
No Mainehiker, I think they're a poisonous combination of NIMBY activists and extreme environmentalists who support the global warming status quo. Maine has got to change.
February 21, 2010 at 12:18 PM Report abuse
lisan said...
Oh, that's great. Angus is now comparing the impact on grazing cows to that of wildlife. Priceless.
February 21, 2010 at 12:20 PM Report abuse
Ron Huber said...
Re the myths of Angus King, as applied to his offshore plans: 1.Build a windmill miles away from a shore;t is still the doninant visual feature. 2. Sound pollution. Yes a mile, two miles are nothering, All the noise will still be at annoyance level. 3. Windpower law exempts windies from environmental law. Yes it was stage managed behind the scene by the industry. Ask the Monheganers how they feel about not being consulted when DEEPCwind chose their waters to plop down in.. 4.Other. We'll find out, if it impacts health. What will happen if it does? Why Angus will "monitor" your decline. Isn't that nice?
February 21, 2010 at 12:24 PM Report abuse
lordpeter said...
Where is the money going to come from to take these wind towers down when they wear out in twenty years? Or are they going to just stay there as broken down, rusted out hulks like the ones in Hawaii. A blight on the land, leaking poison into our waterways, groundwater and wells? Think this through, people - when the subsidies dry up the snake-oil salesmen will be long gone.
February 21, 2010 at 12:25 PM Report abuse
Jack_Pine said...
Angus feels that describing thirty towers each 400' tall as "industrial" is somehow not appropriate. Well, there are home-based wind turbines (maybe 20' tall) and then there are the 400' turbines. If one doesn't use the word "industrial" to make this distinction, what should one use Mr. King?
February 21, 2010 at 12:25 PM Report abuse
said...
Maine commenter: "Got to change" what? The fact that we don't use oil or coal to make electricity? The fact that we have the highest renewable portfolio in the nation? The fact that our "foreign" (Newfoundland) oil use heats buildings and runs cars? King's windmills won't heat buildings or run vehicles. And even if we did convert to plugging in our society, why would we want the dribbling expensive electricity? That's a problem: speculators concoct an imagined problem so we can pay them to fix it.
February 21, 2010 at 12:29 PM Report abuse
Jack_Pine said...
Angus King - why don't you tell us a little about the company that funds you. BAYROOT is its name right? All I found on it so far, (with emphasis on the words "so far") is that it is a shell company with a PO Box in Delaware. Maybe they don't want to be associated with what you are doing to the mountains? They are managed by Wagner Forest Management in NH. Funny, but Wagner also manages some other hard to learn about companies. The following link is to a very good article that intimates that a company Wagner fronts for over in Vermont might be the YALE UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT. Interesting, in that Yale's School of Forestry likes to boast that it is one of the top forest stewards on earth. Stay tuned.
February 21, 2010 at 12:36 PM Report abuse
Jack_Pine said...
Here is the link to the article that intimates it could be the YALE UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT funding some of the mountaintop clearing and wind farms. Also rumored to be the worst clearcutters. Again, Yale's School of Forestry fashions itself as perhaps the top forest steward on the planet. http://www.yaledailynews.com/magazine/magazine-cover/2010/02/17/hills-are-alive-and-profitable/
February 21, 2010 at 12:41 PM Report abuse
mainecommenter said...
"said" stated :"speculators concoct an imagined problem so we can pay them to fix it." Amazing, now the looney environmental left denies global warming.
February 21, 2010 at 12:47 PM Report abuse
said...
“Friday, February 19, 2010 8:34 AEDT Victoria's largest wind farm operation is attracting attention as the residents of Waubra, north-west of Ballarat, claim the turbines are causing health problems.” See: http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/02/19/2825235.htm
February 21, 2010 at 12:48 PM Report abuse
said...
Nice try, Mainecommenter. That's not what I said. Regardless of anyone's beliefs on global warming, Maine's electric production does not contribute to global warming, if such a thing exisits. Our driving and heating, perhaps. Look up FERC, EIA, ISO-NE and DOE. It's all right there. We have 4200 mw of capacity now. Almost all of our actual generation is from Natural gas, hydro, and biomass. We never need anywhere near 4200mw. We export gobs of electricity. Angus is like the chiropractor who prescribes 30 visits after he convinces you that you need him. You go, but only because your insurance happens to cover 30 visits.
February 21, 2010 at 1:00 PM Report abuse
TheCaptain said...
I'm not sure that we need, or can afford, big wind on the scale that Angus King is calling for. Wind and solar could be better used on a residential scale, not industrial.
February 21, 2010 at 1:23 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
Wind Concerns Ontario: “…hundreds of published reports from scientists, engineers, physicians and environmentalists refute misleading claims by the global wind industry that this technology will be either effective or harmless.” … http://windconcernsontario.wordpress.com/who-are-we/
February 21, 2010 at 1:43 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
Maine Medical Association Resolution RE: Wind Energy and Public Health . ”Therefore be it resolved that the Maine Medical Association work with health organizations and regulatory agencies to provide scientific information of known medical consequences of wind development in order to help safeguard human health and the environment. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Maine Medical Association 1) work with other stakeholders to encourage performance of studies on health effects of wind turbine generation by independent qualified researchers at qualified research institutions; 2) ensure that physicians and patients alike are informed of evidence-based research results.” See: http://windconcernsontario.wordpress.com/2009/09/13/maine-medical-association-resolution/
February 21, 2010 at 1:59 PM Report abuse
lordpeter said...
So, we have to destroy our village(Maine)in order to "save" it? Come ON, Angus, that kind of thinking went out with Vietnam.
February 21, 2010 at 2:35 PM Report abuse
said...
First, as I can attest from hard experience, nothing sneaks through the Maine Legislature . Excuse me mr King, where have you been lately, Gay Marraige certinly did.
February 21, 2010 at 2:48 PM Report abuse
nora said...
Let's see, we're not supposed to use "industrial" with "turbine," either. How about, "expedited wind energy development" as stated in the emergency (what was that emergency again?) law? Too wordy for you?
February 21, 2010 at 2:49 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
A modern nuclear power plant can produce 1 gigawatt of electricity. Building two of them, and an efficient transmission system to get the power out of Maine could provide thousands of jobs to people here in Maine. They would work here, and the money would remain here. We'd be selling the majority of the electricity to the rest of the country. Imagine that, an export from Maine worth millions of dollars a year, with the money remaining within the state of Maine. Wind turbines are built someplace else and hauled in. It would take a virtual forest of wind turbines covering a majority of the state to equal a single nuclear power plant. We should continue to refine wind technology in the hopes of getting something more efficient and effective. But in the shorter term there is no reason to not break ground on a nuclear plant with a couple of reactors, or three, to insure an uninterrupted supply of electricity would remain available and affordable into the future.
February 21, 2010 at 2:52 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
Based on their performance over the last 9 years I could not vote, in good conscience, for a Republican President or Governor. Now I could not vote for an Independent. I just hope Baldacci turns a corner and enacts this moratorium.
February 21, 2010 at 2:58 PM Report abuse
zavier said...
Mr. King is a self-serving subsiby schemer. How dare he try to raise all of our electrical costs with this useless scam.Shame on him, the snake oil salesman!
February 21, 2010 at 3:09 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
10 Page St. in Brunswick looks like a great place for a wind turbine.
February 21, 2010 at 3:40 PM Report abuse
TheCaptain said...
To AkMaineiac: I don't think you've seen the economic forecast for nuclear. The Congressional Budget Office warns that investment in nuclear has a greater than 50% chance of failure. Private investors worldwide won't touch it. Even this newspapaer admits that new nukes can't be built unless the taxpayer bulds them. The economics of nuclear power are so bad that Obama has proposed what amounts to a preemptive bailout of the industry. If you want to invest in nuclear, do it on your own time. But don't sign the taxpayer up for this failed technology.
February 21, 2010 at 3:59 PM Report abuse
said...
This article gives a new meaning to "Angus Beef;" Poor r. King.
February 21, 2010 at 4:38 PM Report abuse
nina said...
"Even this newspapaer admits that new nukes can't be built unless the taxpayer bulds them. . Oh well, so much for the objectivity of reporters. lol
February 21, 2010 at 5:18 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
Angus King: “Talking about climate change and energy independence won't get it done; it will take real action – and maybe even a little change.” . . Tell me you did not say this. I guess you really do want thi$$$ little bit of “Change,” don’t you !!? Gov. Baxter is turning over in his grave and, Mr. King, on your words, his dogs buried in their Pet Cemetery on Mackworth Island are climbing out of their graves just as he warned us they would.
February 21, 2010 at 5:24 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
Sorry, Steve, I couldn't resist that allusion. Hope to see you sometime soon, maybe getting morning coffee.
February 21, 2010 at 5:34 PM Report abuse
said...
Maine Hiker, and anyone else who's ever stood and looked at the majesty from Thoreau Spring, Pamola, or Baxter Peak, you are right on. If Baldacci, Angus, Kurt, et al get their way, the view from up there will be New Jersey in all directions. No joking. This has to be stopped, not slowed.
February 21, 2010 at 5:43 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker of Avery Col said...
Jonathan Carter of the Forst Ecology Network says that in the Bigelow Mountain preserve the backgound noise at night in the area is about 15 decibels. Wind turbines, he says, would raise that noise level to nearly 50 decibels, affecting the ability of animals to communicate, or to hear predators or prey. "If we have a background noise of 15, when its quiet up in the north woods, and you raise that level just 3 decibels, remember the wind is going to go over 40 decibels, it reduces the listening area of animals by 30 percent."
February 21, 2010 at 5:45 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker of Avery Col said...
Opps! Sorry. See: http://www.windaction.org/news/25731
February 21, 2010 at 5:54 PM Report abuse
Dan said...
The governor sounds wounded, what with the record hill project slowing and his proposed wind adventure at Highland Plantation about to receive an onslaught of protest. King is wind, but wind will never be king in Maine.
February 21, 2010 at 6:15 PM Report abuse
said...
Please consider this. . http://www.mpbn.net/DesktopModules/PDGNews/MediaPlayer.aspx?PDGNewsStoryID=11110&PDGNewsMediaID=530&TabID=181&ModuleID=3475
February 21, 2010 at 6:47 PM Report abuse
said...
Myths About Wind-power Being Safe are Being Debunked
February 21, 2010 at 7:36 PM Report abuse
said...
Now here was a sensible approach wind debate on the radio yesterday: http://www.wgan.com/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=4408824
February 21, 2010 at 7:49 PM Report abuse
said...
Myths, Angus?? You were the salesman who told Maine, "You're the Saudi Arabia of Wind." Sorta like, "What a handsome smart young boy you are. Get in the car and I'll give you candy." To see the times that silly Saudi Arabia analogy has been invoked by a predator, from Inner Mongolia to Inner Iowa to New Zealand to Cape Cod...click here: http://www.windtaskforce.org/forum/topics/for-a-laugh-google-saudi
February 21, 2010 at 8:19 PM Report abuse
nowind said...
Gov. Baxter gave the people Baxter State Park and saved mountaintops, Gov. Baldacci wants to put windsprawl on every remaining ridgeline with blinking lights wasting power at night. What a contrast.
February 21, 2010 at 9:42 PM Report abuse
said...
Let me set things straight on Mr. King's myths. KingMyth 1. Explosive blasting to effect displacement of 1.6 million cubic yards of mountain in order to level it sufficiently for road and turbine pad construction does equate to destruction in the minds of many who see a greater intrinsic value in these places. Apparently, Mr. King believes that any amount of explosive excavation is non-destructive as long as the spoil doesn't get carried too far away. He tries to minimize the scope of the damage by citing the daintiness of a turbine foundation. He fails to mention the 15 miles of 32 foot wide, high weight capacity, ridgeline road his latest project calls for.
February 22, 2010 at 12:32 AM Report abuse
goaway said...
KingMyth 2.On the contrary, Maine law is not restrictive with regard to noise standards. In fact, in quiet, rural areas, it's useless. Also, Mr. King should coordinate his message better with his partner, Mr. Gardiner. At a meeting in Highland Plt., Mr. Gardiner told the people of Highland that one of the reasons they were being offered a monthly allotment of free electricity was to mitigate the fact that they would likely have to listen to the turbine noise on occasion. This meeting is available on DVD lest anyone want to dispute this. Additionally, if Mr. King spent more time in those quiet areas he seeks to develop, he would find that, indeed, noise does, and will, carry much more than a half mile.
February 22, 2010 at 12:41 AM Report abuse
goaway said...
KingMyth 3. The law providing for expedited permitting of wind energy facilities was passed in 2008. It went through the legislature in 15 days with no real discussion. Would Mr. King agree to a poll on how many legislators actually read it? Most would likely fail a 5 question pop quiz on its content. As to the Governor's task force: In December of 2007, Mr. Gardiner wrote to the task force (his email is available online) and advised them of what he needed to make development of his projects easier. They did not disappoint him. He got what he asked for. As to the disenfranchisement of citizens, the residents of Highland and any others in LURC jurisdiction have no say whatsoever in the siting of wind turbines. It would not matter if they had 3 or 103 town meetings. Referencing the aforementioned DVD, when one Highland resident asked Mr. Gardiner if the residents would get to vote on this project, he assured them, "No."
February 22, 2010 at 12:44 AM Report abuse
Blueyes1119 said...
Mister King, I thought uou had thicker skin than what you are showing. But you have always been a slick, self serving spinmeister. It threatens you that the people, the citizens, of this state are starting to catch on to all the scheming, scamming and perpetuation of the propaganda of Big Wind/Big Lie of which you have been a leader. I have heard your henny-penny "the sky is falling" stump speech and I wish the publisher of this paper would give me prime space on the editorial page to blow the Hell out of that. But I'm not a King, just a lowly citizen seeking the truth about industrial---and yes, they are industrial machines---wind turbines. The truth ain't pretty!
February 22, 2010 at 7:48 AM Report abuse
Tea Bagger Vance said...
Somehow this is the fault of Obama. Or Catholic Charities. Or the immigrants. Wait, no, it's socialism. Yeah, that's it. Wait, who are we railing against today?
February 22, 2010 at 8:01 AM Report abuse
flatbush said...
Burn wood and conserve. The future in Maine is wood pellets, solar and tidal turbines.
February 22, 2010 at 8:58 AM Report abuse
More Myths said...
Myth 5: Wind mills are economically viable. Wrong. Their price per kwt is high and will raise all Mainers energy bills. They are only being put in due to legislative fiat. Myth 6: Being 'dependent' on fossil fuel - is no different than being 'dependent' on windy days. Everything is dependent on something. Hydropower is dependent on water in the river being plentiful...this is jingo scare template from the lefties to set up a logical smoke screen....
February 22, 2010 at 10:03 AM Report abuse
CC said...
More myths to 'debunk' >>Angus, his wife, Mary Herman, or his kids don't have a financial stake in the outcome of this public debate >>artists, writers, nature lovers, and others with sensitive hearing who live near wind farms won't be disturbed by the sounds or the shading or the appearance. >>All of the costs have been factored into the cost and the PUC won't provide further subsidies to cover these costs. >> The cost of green alternatives has been given to the public as an option, i.e. Quebec Hydro. >> that we are dependent on foreign oil...this is mostly propagandizing, since the wind towers only generate electricity and right now CMP only gets 14% of it's power from fossil fuel sources so to use the argument we're cutting our dependence on foreign oil is a very weak one, especially since Maine supplies 'foreign' crude to Canada which ships us refined product. It also ignores the role foreign oil companies play in Maines economy--CHEVRON(owned by Venzuela) and IRVING
February 22, 2010 at 11:11 AM Report abuse
said...
OK, but please don't shout louder than a Seimens wind turbine.
February 22, 2010 at 11:25 AM Report abuse
CC said...
Sorry Haven't used html tags in a while Interesting aspect is that Canada's new feed in tariff is fostering an new surge in Aboriginal power generation in Ontario and Quebec...again, more inexpensive Canadian power to compete with the expensive off shore power promoted by Angus King. and like the ancient mariner said, not a drop to drink!
February 22, 2010 at 12:45 PM Report abuse
Jack Pine said...
Dear Doctor Angus, I am writing to you a near broken person. I haven’t slept well for a long time and many nights I don’t sleep at all. I am shaky and my whole nervous system is shot. I am getting heart palpitations and just can’t believe that my health has deteriorated so rapidly – at my advanced age and in my retirement home. I took care of my health my whole life. And we scrimped and saved for this little place out in the country. I am very scared. Is moving away from the turbines the only thing that will work? Sincerely, Sleepless in Stetson
February 22, 2010 at 4:11 PM Report abuse
Jack_Pine said...
Dear Sleepless, I have been getting a lot of similar letters from other readers in Maine so not to worry – you are not alone! I’ll tell you the same thing that I’ve told to every one of them – RELAX! Life is way too short to be getting all worked up over nothing. It’s really just mind over matter. You worked hard your whole life as you said, but now let me suggest that perhaps you just turn it down a notch and take it as it comes. No sense in sweating the small stuff. You know those motel rooms where you pop in a quarter and the bed vibrates? Well, think of this as the wind company giving you lots and lots of quarters. Very soothing actually. Beyond that, I think you basically just need to get some rest. Dr. Angus
February 22, 2010 at 4:12 PM Report abuse
Chevron vs Citgo said...
Chevron is NOT owned by Venezuela. It is a public company that you can buy stock in....you are thinking of Citgo.... b.t.w. Chevron pays a nice dividend ~4% - better than you can receive in any savings CD..... And Citgos are changing their names as they are aware of the anti-Venezuela bias....now they go by Pepgo and other names...
February 22, 2010 at 5:24 PM Report abuse
Its a calm day said...
On the calm days we still need electricity - right?... And so we still MUST have an electrical source for 100% of our needs...... true ? of course. ....so what is rationale for having windmills????? it is a mandate by left wing jingoists that have managed to pass a law that is going to fleece us Mainers with higher utility rates.....
February 22, 2010 at 5:28 PM Report abuse
CC said...
Thanks for the correction from CHEVRON to CITGO and the rebranding so we don't realized that CITGO is owned by a socialist tyrant. The point is that no matter how many wind turbines all the King's men put up; it will not lessen the ever increasing demand for gasoline and diesel fuels....UNLESS the government forces use to buy electric, rechargeable cars. I'd love a TESLA in the garage, but the $75 k sticker shock and overnight recharging is a bit much. The government will frown on anything that takes money away from them, including the sales tax you pay at the pump for 'fossil fuels'. ....and as we all know, when the government loses money on an alt. energy source, they will make it as expensive as possible and figure out some what to collect taxes on electricity even if it comes from your own solar panels...GASP!
February 22, 2010 at 6:53 PM Report abuse
Jack Pine said...
King characterizes the word "industrial" as scary and in doing so makes our case. There is no disputing these things are industrial. But thank you attorney King for evidencing the fact that they rightfully create fear. If all bulbs were so dim, we'd even have a bigger surplus of electricity.
February 22, 2010 at 9:09 PM Report abuse
The King said...
"Gee, an unbiased source. How much money does your company stand to make from windmills, Angus?" . . Never mind. I'll tell you what to think and how to vote when the time comes. Can you spell loquacity? No? Hell it's past 11PM so go to sleep and I'll assault you , I mean salute, you tomorrow.
February 22, 2010 at 11:17 PM Report abuse
said...
If the the PPH obscures this comment issue, what could cause that to come about? Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean they are not out to get you. . . Sorry. old joke.
February 22, 2010 at 11:34 PM Report abuse
For Govenor Baxter and US! said...
Keep this discussion alive
February 23, 2010 at 12:04 AM Report abuse
For Govenor Baxter and US! said...
Keep this discussion alive
February 23, 2010 at 12:04 AM Report abuse
said...
For anyone who hasn't seen "The Jackson Video", it is highly recommended. Please watch it and send the Youtube link to everyone you know. http://www.windtaskforce.org/video Rep. John Hinck was recently quoted as saying "There is not, as far as I know, a perfect source of power." Well Mr. Hinck, I'd say that the power vested in the people by the U.S. Constitution comes pretty close.
February 23, 2010 at 8:19 AM Report abuse
Pete Mayo said...
I've lived in Maine all my 59 years. I've voted for every land aquisition that has come along. Now, people want to desecrate the rooftop of Maine with turbines and clearcut corridors for the new power lines. What a waste of tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. And, the ultimate irony is that we taxpayers will subsidize this foolishness.
February 23, 2010 at 8:26 AM Report abuse
Blueyes1119 said...
So, Mister King, you lead off your diatribe with "There's an old saying that if you say something that's not true often enough, people will start to believe it." Well, did you ever hear of the old saying "That's the pot calling the kettle black"? You are part of the Big Wind/Big Lie cabal who are using myth, hyperbole, misrepresentations, and selective information to spin your pathetic case for wind turbines. Pushing industrial wind onto Maine is corrupt and immoral. We don't need a single wind turbine to meet Maine's electricity needs now or in your lifetime. What you are pushing is devastation of beautiful parts of rural Maine for an unreliable, unpredictable, inefficient source of electricity that would not have a market if it weren't for subsidies and preferential treatment.
February 23, 2010 at 8:27 AM Report abuse
Blueyes1119 said...
Come "clean" about your stake in "clean" energy, Mr. King. You are only in it to be one of the piggies at the subsidy trough. While you reap those subsidies, taxpayers see the deficit soar, ratepayers see cost of electricity go up, and the rural way of life---the beauty of wooded ridges, the quiet, and the black, star filled skies---ruined. There ought to be a special place in Hell for people like you!
February 23, 2010 at 8:30 AM Report abuse
CC said...
I just got an email from a startup making vertical axis wind turbines...goto http://www.wepower.us/ This is the quiet alternative, and far more bird friendly than horizontal turbines. The two things to read carefully is the power curve....an avg wind speed of 28 mph to attain approx. 10%+ of the annual kWh output. The other is the height of a tower...VAXT;s can be mounted on low towers, 18' +; but horizontal towers are now going over 200'. VAST's offer significant advantages, but still suffer from the same drawbacks of high wind speed and reliability over time in a marine environment.
February 23, 2010 at 8:59 AM Report abuse
netcaster said...
What I can't believe ,King, is that you don't know the, now very obvious to most, truths on this wind thing. What I am hoping is that YOU are a Myth and we will one day wake up and you will not exist. Everyone that wanted these big ones up is either connected to make $ off them (a very few and powerful ones) or they now know science is not behind them. Take down the dams and put up the wind? Integrity? Undo one damage to produce another is not an answer and anyone looking at the devastation at the sites that have them or listen to those who have to live with them now, or look into the engineering and the viability know they are no good. T. Boone Pickkens found out and he is what we know as smart business. No amount of advertising which most intelligent people are starting to question in general will erase truth. Say you are sorry and move on.
February 23, 2010 at 12:48 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker2 said...
I am so embarrassed. ' "In the beginning" I thought wind power was a wonderful idea." I was wrong and I admit it. I am sorry. All I can say is that I judged too quickly. . MaineHiker
February 23, 2010 at 5:12 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker2 said...
I am so embarrassed. ' "In the beginning" I thought wind power was a wonderful idea." I was wrong and I admit it. I am sorry. All I can say is that I judged too quickly. . MaineHiker
February 23, 2010 at 5:12 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker2 said...
Sorry for the stutter.
February 23, 2010 at 5:14 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
Talk about sound pollution! Seems to me that King Midas needs a new muffler. . MaineHiker
February 23, 2010 at 6:58 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
And, I don't mean for his scooter.
February 23, 2010 at 7:18 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha Industrial Windpower Development Opportunities for true Entrepreneurial Opportunists Inc., Baldacci, King, Ciambro, Siemens et al., has resolved to, and declared they will take what they want from the state of Maine’s precious non-replaceable natural resources because they can and will make them rich and Gov. Baxter and his like can all just go and gobble down antidepressants and accept soup for their birthrights.
February 23, 2010 at 8:59 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
Please, none of you out there, try speaking out as I do at home on your computer; you might get shot dead, or worse. If I get "sanctioned" while I'm speaking the truth as I believe it to be after being as open as I can to all I can take in about what's true about the issues we face, I believe I will have endured that sanction honorably trying to further the best for World life. . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LYV9AZNlFU&feature=related
February 23, 2010 at 9:30 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
And, remember, in a few years that could be our president on his desk.
February 23, 2010 at 9:43 PM Report abuse
MaineHiker said...
http://jdlong.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/david_letterman__co_140396a.jpg
February 23, 2010 at 9:51 PM Report abuse