I am writing you in regard to the proposed wind generators in Tazewell County and on East River Mountain specifically by Dominion and BP Wind Energy North America.
I live adjacent to East River mountain near Shannondale adjacent to Route 460 and the Bluestone River. I have experienced the “unsightliness” and the irritating noise created by these structures. Recently my wife and I were in a campground across the Columbia River on the Oregon state side of the Columbia River gorge. Across the Columbia River on the Washington state side there were miles of these wind generators on the mountain. They not only were unsightly but were producing a constant “whomping” sound when turning, and they were at least three to four miles from our campground.
The wind generators will not improve the economy of this area, will not generate enough power to have any effect on the reduction of fossil fuel usage, and the power generated will not be used to reduce my power costs or yours for that matter.
In fact energy companies’ desires to build inefficient wind farms are not out of need, but to obtain huge tax subsidies along with federal and state tax breaks, and cap and trade emission credits. A 2008 report by the U.S. EIA concluded that some federal wind power subsidies amounted to $23.37 per megawatt-hour, compared to 44 cents for coal, 25 cents for natural gas, 67 cents for Hydro, and $1.59 for nuclear. Based on these facts alone, why would the people of Tazewell County even consider allowing them to be constructed?
I respectfully request that all Tazewell County supervisors put a stop to this venture. The people of this area do not want these wind generators, do not need them, and are not willing to pay the price.
Clyde S. Smith
Shannondale
Letters to the Editor
November 20, 2009
Residents don’t want or need windmills
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