Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Is it too much to hope that they've taken into account that RI is a migratory bird pathway, and will site this when it will kill the fewest number of birds?

Since the wind proponents claims that the new turbines are less dangerous to wildlife are false, according to environmental groups.

And have a provision for who is financially responsible when the wind turbines fly apart in a hurricane and we're left with a pile of rubble to clean up offshore, and a gap in the power supply because this will take years to replace, like this video of a windmill flying apart:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0B3eFFnEmA

Too bad the Governor has no interest in a RI-based solar solution, but would rather jump on an ill-thought out bandwagon instead of supporting a more reliable and safer energy source from companies close to home.

FINALLY!! Some good news for this state! The bird kill argument is absurd, and everyone knows it. Its about time we caught up with the rest of the world (eg Europe)with regard to alternative energy. This wind farm is just what we need, and not a moment too soon.

So, I suppose that flying shards of glass from a solar panel field would be better in a hurricane, and that those animals living where these panels are installed would not have any problems. Show me a study that says windmills are harmful to migratory birds, I'll show you three that show they are not. I do believe that the advantages of using wind power far outweigh the disadvantages.

Karen Anne-
Your points are well taken, but this proposal comes in the wake of an energy and economic CRISIS. It is true that Environmental Groups suggest that these turbines will do some harm to some birds, at the same time the proponents of these developments say the impacts are minimal. Who is right? Well, they are both half right. Birds are not dumb. They generally tend to avaoid visible moving objects. Also, the flight paths of migratory birds tend to be higher than the max heights of the turbines. But will some birds be victims of these turbines? yes, most likely a few..just like the squirrels and oppusums that we hit every day, but we have come to accept our roads and highway systems. Only .05% of the population does not travel in any type of motor vehicle, so I'm sure even you have put wildlife at risk at some point.

As for the solar alternative, that is a great and noble cause. I myself am a huge supporter of solar (photovoltaic an passive) panels, but on built structures (houses, schools, office bldgs, etc) When it comes to mass-energy generation, photovoltaic solar systems tend to be overly cost prohibitive (especially for RI), but are more commonly found in areas where there are fewer energy options and more solar-effective days (i.e. the Southwest).

Although I rarely support the Governor's opionions/acttions..on this issue I would have to show some support. We can produce 10% (and more!) of RI's energy needs with this wind farm...we need to-- are options are scarce and the revenue wouldn't hurt.

I could care less about the turbines hitting a few birds. The bigger shame is the state's continued refusal to consider nuclear power generation. Until we do, we deserve the high power rates we pay.

It is amazing how easy it is to forget the problems associated with using fossil fuels. Thousand of wind turbines are being globally used safely in high wind areas. Using a clean, renewable source of energy that does not have a carbon emission contribution, does not require soldiers to protect national interests in the Middle East and can provide domestic energy independence. The advantages of wind power are soo compelling I look forward to the day that we marvel at how hard the opponents of winder power fought the tidal wave of reason and common sense.

the above comments are why nothing ever gets done! obstructionists to everything. this is why the state is broke someone proposes a 1.5 billion dollar project and immediately everyone wants to fight it

Yes, The State of Rhode Island can once again become "The Independent Man"
Clearly the first step has finally been taken.

I congratulate Governor Carcieri, the General Assembly Leadership - but first and last the Professors, Engineers and Scientists at URI for this achievement. I have examined some of their work product and attended a technical presentation on the overall proposed project. I was impressed with the depth and breath of especially the location process. Moreover the attention to the environmental impact.

Clearly Wind Energy located off shore is the best first alternative in addressing our electricity generation cost. Additional alternatives, as other technologies mature, such as SOLAR and even perhaps one day Fusion can and will become an interdependent fabric for electrical generation in a Rhode Island quest for energy independence down the road. Finally let us not forget the potential re JOB's for RI residents - perhaps on the bay and or at say Quonset and Davisville Industrial facilities!

Again congratulations All Hands!
William F Horan Engineering Fellow
Middletown, RI

And the NIMBY's speak!

Offshore wind offers this state an incredible opportunity to reduce our dependence on foreign oil while generating a much needed economic stimulus.
Unfortunately, the same hedge-fund manager crowd opposing Cape Wind will raise all manner of red-herring arguments here to protect their private sailing playground off Block Island.

You really think birds are that stupid? How many birds hit cars, planes and buildings? How much wildlife is endangered by coal burning power plants? Do you know how many thousands of solar panels it takes to produce the same energy as a wind trubine? Brav Mr. Governor, this is the brightest thing you have done.

In response to the prior comment made about this article:

I feel it necessary to say that although this may be a new and lovely little trend we seem to be initiating all over the coast- it IS effective (even if it is costly).... and it is more beneficial energy wise than that of solar power systems- (ex. they can run at night, take up less space...etc.)

2nd- There are turbines in the west- so how are THEY repaired after such things as a tornado? (PS- :ahem: they are generally NOT built next to power lines)

Finally, let me also say that migratory birds are not stupid creatures... they have been migrating for millions of years... trust me- they'll figure it out. If they don't... well, i suppose they were doomed from the get go.

Why not offer the project to a Rhode Island company?

To those opposed to this project, you must ask what their real motivation is. This great news for our state. This project will create many new jobs here(in terms of the production and development related to this project), will create a real sustainable energy policy (not like a lot of states that just talk about it and produce study after study on it), and will the foundation for future sustainable projects like solar, etc. We will be known as a leader not in the U.S. but globally for taking this action. Isn't that what leadership is all about; not emulating others, but having others emulate you? In order to innovate, you must take bold actions. This is a very bold action and I applaud everyone involved in this project. On behalf of all Rhode Islanders....THANK YOU!!!!

You don't need a study about wind farms and birds, there are real life examples, not just "claims."

Like the Altamont wind farm in California, which has taken out thousands of migratory birds and is now SHUT DOWN for some months out of each year because of that.

How much good is a shutdown wind farm going to do?

As to running all the time, you do know if no wind, zero energy?

I am not advocating one major wind farm, but rather distributed solar installations, including support for home systems and systems on businesses and government buildings.

You folks are rushing into a bad decision because you're panicked. Better to support Rhode Island industry and get a better, safer result that doesn't leave us with a giant pile of rubble to clean up just offshore and no energy from it for probably years after the first hurricane.