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Wind Power
Author: BobR
Date: 04/30/2010 10:15:07
The oil spill advancing on the gulf coast like a toxic hurricane should reinforce in everyone's minds the urgent need to break our addiction to that black poison. All of the exhortations to drill off the coasts of VA, FL, and the Carolinas are getting drowned in a sludge of Texas Tea.
At the same time, an off-shore wind farm has finally passed through the biggest legal hurdles, and will anchor itself 5 miles offshore near Cape Cod:
Considering that Louisiana is looking at certain long-term destruction of shellfish beds, fishing areas, and delicate bayous, one has to look at the NIMBYs in MA with a certain amount of disdain. They're concerned about being able to see a wind turbine W-a-a-a-a-y out on the horizon. Perhaps they should look further south and consider themselves lucky.
When you consider that Denmark gets 19% of its power from wind, the investment we are making here in the U.S. seems pretty weak. However, that is beginning to change. There are currently several initiatives in various stages of development, including off the coast of Delaware, as well as VA, NB, OH, and CO.
Other than the aesthetics (which are all in the eye of the beholder), there's very little downside to the wind turbines. They occasionally hit birds and bats, but other than that... Compare that to the environmental impact of the sludge hitting the Mississippi river basin, and the pollution it creates when consumed, and it seems like a no-brainer. "Clean coal" is a joke, and the leftover spent rods from Nuke energy are toxic forever.
So it seems that wind power (and solar energy) are the two best "renewable clean" energy sources we have available to us. The spill in the Gulf should help push these forward (finally). After all - we've been talking about this for decades. Even Thomas Dolby was inspired to write this song 30 years ago:
At the same time, an off-shore wind farm has finally passed through the biggest legal hurdles, and will anchor itself 5 miles offshore near Cape Cod:
[N]ot all Massachusetts politicians or residents have been enthusiastic about the plan by Cape Wind Associates of Boston to erect 170 wind turbines--each one taller than the Statue of Liberty--in historic Nantucket Sound. The battle over Cape Wind has raged for nine years, with vigorous opposition from local landowners, including the late Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts. Two Indian tribes also have opposed the project, saying the turbines would disturb ancestral burial grounds that were once on dry land but are now under water.
Some of these concerns have been addressed in Salazar’s plan. He has ordered that the project be scaled back to 130 turbines, and is requiring that the developer conduct further marine archaeological surveys to avoid disturbing any sensitive ground. And he said the developer will be required to make the turbines less visible from shore...
Considering that Louisiana is looking at certain long-term destruction of shellfish beds, fishing areas, and delicate bayous, one has to look at the NIMBYs in MA with a certain amount of disdain. They're concerned about being able to see a wind turbine W-a-a-a-a-y out on the horizon. Perhaps they should look further south and consider themselves lucky.
When you consider that Denmark gets 19% of its power from wind, the investment we are making here in the U.S. seems pretty weak. However, that is beginning to change. There are currently several initiatives in various stages of development, including off the coast of Delaware, as well as VA, NB, OH, and CO.
Other than the aesthetics (which are all in the eye of the beholder), there's very little downside to the wind turbines. They occasionally hit birds and bats, but other than that... Compare that to the environmental impact of the sludge hitting the Mississippi river basin, and the pollution it creates when consumed, and it seems like a no-brainer. "Clean coal" is a joke, and the leftover spent rods from Nuke energy are toxic forever.
So it seems that wind power (and solar energy) are the two best "renewable clean" energy sources we have available to us. The spill in the Gulf should help push these forward (finally). After all - we've been talking about this for decades. Even Thomas Dolby was inspired to write this song 30 years ago:
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Random on 04/30/2010 12:45:12
Random on 04/30/2010 12:45:12
And in other news, Charlie Crist has come out,
as an independent.
as an independent.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 12:47:47
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 12:47:47
Morning 
Well, its Lets Build that Fence day 2 - the final day
You know I'm not sure I understay why the big whine about the aesthetics of wind turbines (maybe we should just call them wind mills and people will picture the Netherlands country side - that's peaceful right?) I've kinda found them oddy hypnotic and soothing
Well, its Lets Build that Fence day 2 - the final day
You know I'm not sure I understay why the big whine about the aesthetics of wind turbines (maybe we should just call them wind mills and people will picture the Netherlands country side - that's peaceful right?) I've kinda found them oddy hypnotic and soothing
Comment by 
Raine on 04/30/2010 12:48:12
Raine on 04/30/2010 12:48:12
RANDOM! HI DOLLFACE!
HI DOLLFACE!
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2010 12:48:21
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 12:48:21
Hey Random!
We've all been wondering how you where!
We've all been wondering how you where!
Comment by Random on 04/30/2010 12:50:50
Random on 04/30/2010 12:50:50
Have we now?
Well like any college aged student. burnt out and glad he just finished his last final 20 minutes ago.
Well like any college aged student. burnt out and glad he just finished his last final 20 minutes ago.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2010 12:55:26
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 12:55:26
Last of the semister or last final ever? 
Comment by Random on 04/30/2010 12:56:29
Random on 04/30/2010 12:56:29
On a side note, since I'm actually here, I am planning on being in Atlanta in September, Labor day weekend.
Comment by Random on 04/30/2010 13:02:53
Semester. but a week off till next semester begins. YAY!
Random on 04/30/2010 13:02:53
Quote by wickedpam:
Last of the semister or last final ever?
Semester. but a week off till next semester begins. YAY!
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2010 13:05:17
you are aware we don't live there anymore?
Raine on 04/30/2010 13:05:17
Quote by Random:
On a side note, since I'm actually here, I am planning on being in Atlanta in September, Labor day weekend.
you are aware we don't live there anymore?
Comment by Random on 04/30/2010 13:06:53
No...No I was not.
Random on 04/30/2010 13:06:53
Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
On a side note, since I'm actually here, I am planning on being in Atlanta in September, Labor day weekend.
No...No I was not.
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2010 13:11:24
me some Laura !
Raine on 04/30/2010 13:11:24
me some Laura !
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2010 13:12:15
We moved to DC last november. Bob got a job here.
I am seriously bummed that we aren't going to get to see you.
Raine on 04/30/2010 13:12:15
Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
On a side note, since I'm actually here, I am planning on being in Atlanta in September, Labor day weekend.
No...No I was not.
I am seriously bummed that we aren't going to get to see you.
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2010 13:13:39
Raine on 04/30/2010 13:13:39
The 607 area is the central part of NY -- I believe the Binghamton area.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2010 13:15:10
but now there's even more of a reason to come to DC
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 13:15:10
Quote by Raine:We moved to DC last november. Bob got a job here.Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
On a side note, since I'm actually here, I am planning on being in Atlanta in September, Labor day weekend.
No...No I was not.
I am seriously bummed that we aren't going to get to see you.
but now there's even more of a reason to come to DC
Comment by Random on 04/30/2010 13:27:08
Yeah, except I'm going to Atlanta for a reason. Maybe DC next year.
Random on 04/30/2010 13:27:08
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:We moved to DC last november. Bob got a job here.Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
On a side note, since I'm actually here, I am planning on being in Atlanta in September, Labor day weekend.
No...No I was not.
I am seriously bummed that we aren't going to get to see you.
but now there's even more of a reason to come to DC
Yeah, except I'm going to Atlanta for a reason. Maybe DC next year.
Comment by 
BobR on 04/30/2010 13:28:08
Clinster lives in the Atlanta area...
BobR on 04/30/2010 13:28:08
Quote by Raine:We moved to DC last november. Bob got a job here.Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
On a side note, since I'm actually here, I am planning on being in Atlanta in September, Labor day weekend.
No...No I was not.
I am seriously bummed that we aren't going to get to see you.
Clinster lives in the Atlanta area...
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2010 14:08:05
Raine on 04/30/2010 14:08:05
Comment by Random on 04/30/2010 14:09:12
Random on 04/30/2010 14:09:12
Not even 10:30 and the room has died down.
Didn't even hit 20 comments.
Didn't even hit 20 comments.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2010 14:09:28
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 14:09:28
who you
Comment by 
TriSec on 04/30/2010 14:13:11
TriSec on 04/30/2010 14:13:11
Morning, comrades!
I've got some curious blockage on the internets at the office...I have limited access to direct photo links. But I can get to the source.
Cape Wind: View from the Cape and the Islands
Yes, this is the horrendous change to the pristine Cape Views that has many up in arms.
Locally, there's a GINORMOUS turbine in Hull, visible from the North Shore if you know where to look...a smaller one in Dorchester that's become a traffic landmark, one more on 93 North in Somerville....these don't seem to be eyesores.
But then again, multi-million dollar homes don't abut those.
I've got some curious blockage on the internets at the office...I have limited access to direct photo links. But I can get to the source.
Cape Wind: View from the Cape and the Islands
Yes, this is the horrendous change to the pristine Cape Views that has many up in arms.
Locally, there's a GINORMOUS turbine in Hull, visible from the North Shore if you know where to look...a smaller one in Dorchester that's become a traffic landmark, one more on 93 North in Somerville....these don't seem to be eyesores.
But then again, multi-million dollar homes don't abut those.
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2010 14:27:51
Been painting!
Raine on 04/30/2010 14:27:51
Quote by Random:
Not even 10:30 and the room has died down.
Didn't even hit 20 comments.
Been painting!
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2010 14:28:11
Raine on 04/30/2010 14:28:11
Hey Random, What are you going to school for?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2010 14:31:25
reading, listening to Steph and checking in with the guys out back while they finish the fence
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 14:31:25
Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
Not even 10:30 and the room has died down.
Didn't even hit 20 comments.
Been painting!
reading, listening to Steph and checking in with the guys out back while they finish the fence
Comment by TriSec on 04/30/2010 14:40:01
TriSec on 04/30/2010 14:40:01
WP, are you that concerned about immigrants that you decided to build your own fence?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2010 14:53:54
never really entered into my decision making process - just want an nice fence at a good price
oh wait.... I didnt' read that right
no just replacing the old one that got beat up by the 72" of snow this year - although if I can keep my neighbors awful kids out that's a bonus
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 14:53:54
Quote by TriSec:
WP, are you that concerned about immigrants that you decided to build your own fence?
never really entered into my decision making process - just want an nice fence at a good price
oh wait.... I didnt' read that right
no just replacing the old one that got beat up by the 72" of snow this year - although if I can keep my neighbors awful kids out that's a bonus
Comment by BobR on 04/30/2010 14:54:28
And why just on the south border of your front yard?
BobR on 04/30/2010 14:54:28
Quote by TriSec:
WP, are you that concerned about immigrants that you decided to build your own fence?
And why just on the south border of your front yard?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2010 14:58:00
gawd! you just made me have to think which way the sunset here to figure out direction!
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 14:58:00
Quote by BobR:Quote by TriSec:
WP, are you that concerned about immigrants that you decided to build your own fence?
And why just on the south border of your front yard?
gawd! you just made me have to think which way the sunset here to figure out direction!
Comment by TriSec on 04/30/2010 15:20:30
TriSec on 04/30/2010 15:20:30
Say now, I was just reading another story about the oil spill on the Globe website.
Here's something that should give you pause..."Officials have said they would do everything to keep the Mississippi River open to traffic."
I would think it's a bad idea to send ocean-going vessels through an oil slick to get into harbor. If ship traffic can't access the Mississippi River, and product can't flow up and downstream, the economic impact is going to be huge.
And remember....it's still leaking.
Here's something that should give you pause..."Officials have said they would do everything to keep the Mississippi River open to traffic."
I would think it's a bad idea to send ocean-going vessels through an oil slick to get into harbor. If ship traffic can't access the Mississippi River, and product can't flow up and downstream, the economic impact is going to be huge.
And remember....it's still leaking.
Comment by 
livingonli on 04/30/2010 15:25:24
livingonli on 04/30/2010 15:25:24
Good morning everyone.
Welcome back, Random!
You've been missed here.
Welcome back, Random!
You've been missed here.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2010 15:35:29
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 15:35:29
Mornin' Liv
Comment by livingonli on 04/30/2010 15:47:54
livingonli on 04/30/2010 15:47:54
Damn I missed Laura on Momma's show. I was still asleep. I did catch her on Ed's TV show the other day.
Comment by livingonli on 04/30/2010 15:55:34
livingonli on 04/30/2010 15:55:34
Who saw the guy from anti-immigrant FAIR who got all testy when he appeared on Rachel's show last night?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2010 16:10:32
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 16:10:32
I did see that in passing on the replay - that was quite an ass-kicking
Comment by TriSec on 04/30/2010 16:32:58
TriSec on 04/30/2010 16:32:58
I just listened to the Podcast. He was kinda...scrambly. (and rude!)
Comment by Random on 04/30/2010 16:37:22
Random on 04/30/2010 16:37:22
*poke*
Comment by wickedpam on 04/30/2010 16:48:08
wickedpam on 04/30/2010 16:48:08
tis lunching hour people wander around in the afternoon
No worries
No worries
Comment by Random on 04/30/2010 17:05:03
Random on 04/30/2010 17:05:03
Random remmebers how 4F worked
Comment by TriSec on 04/30/2010 18:10:22
TriSec on 04/30/2010 18:10:22
I'm cyber-stalking my friend this afternoon.
Right now she's pulling 470 KIAS at FL 37, about to overfly PEI.
And I forgot my scanner....I'm right under the approaches to RW 4. (But I don't know which is the active today.)
Right now she's pulling 470 KIAS at FL 37, about to overfly PEI.
And I forgot my scanner....I'm right under the approaches to RW 4. (But I don't know which is the active today.)
Comment by TriSec on 04/30/2010 18:41:48
TriSec on 04/30/2010 18:41:48
So, wind is gusting to 25kts at 160º. That makes runway 15 the active today...that's an overland approach, coming in past KBED and the outer marker at Shaker Hill.
(Say, how come Random only comes around on days I go all av-wonk?)
(Say, how come Random only comes around on days I go all av-wonk?)
Comment by Raine on 04/30/2010 18:45:03
Raine on 04/30/2010 18:45:03
He's got a gift...
Comment by 
Scoopster on 04/30/2010 18:46:38
Scoopster on 04/30/2010 18:46:38
Hi everybody! 
Ugh end of the month.. another busy busy busy day.
RANDOM!!!
Hey how ya doin?!
Ugh end of the month.. another busy busy busy day.RANDOM!!!
Hey how ya doin?!
Comment by 
clintster on 04/30/2010 19:51:07
And I'll take a Random visit. Heck, I'll even bring out the trumpets:
clintster on 04/30/2010 19:51:07
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:We moved to DC last november. Bob got a job here.Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:Quote by Random:
On a side note, since I'm actually here, I am planning on being in Atlanta in September, Labor day weekend.
No...No I was not.
I am seriously bummed that we aren't going to get to see you.
Clinster lives in the Atlanta area...
And I'll take a Random visit. Heck, I'll even bring out the trumpets:
Comment by clintster on 04/30/2010 19:55:01
clintster on 04/30/2010 19:55:01
So, no bounce?
Comment by BobR on 04/30/2010 21:31:45
BobR on 04/30/2010 21:31:45
Quote by clintster:
So, no bounce?
Comment by TriSec on 05/01/2010 00:51:27
TriSec on 05/01/2010 00:51:27
File under "you learn something new every day".
How many of you have ever heard of Castine, Maine?
It's the site of the US's worst naval defeat before Pearl Harbor.
Penobscot Expedition
How many of you have ever heard of Castine, Maine?
It's the site of the US's worst naval defeat before Pearl Harbor.
Penobscot Expedition