June 25, 2007

New York State Governor Spitzer, Senate and Assembly Members,

Please give careful consideration to issues involving the siting of “Industrial Wind Turbines” in rural residential areas. You have a responsibility to protect the People by keeping the turbines a safe distance from them. In Fairfield, N.Y., the proposed project would allow approximately 70 – 400’ tall turbines to be constructed within 3000’ of over 130 homes! There is a great deal of medical and scientific documentation now available to support turbine setbacks of 1.5 miles. The 1200’ – 1500’ setbacks currently being used are inadequate and are not protecting the people living near them. With so many reasons; Health Effects, Noise, Declining Property Values, Wildlife Kills and Destruction of Scenic Vistas….., how can you let this continue? You need to make “our” best interests your priority. An Industry that is NOT planned to operate indefinitely without a subsidy (our tax dollars) from the government should not have the support of any politician.

“Home Rule” should be left as is, but “minimum standards” should be implemented to prevent officials on a Local level from passing ordinances that will allow the turbines to negatively impact the landowners and people in close proximity to them. Guidelines should be developed before we are overrun with thousands of the 400’ monstrosities in our scenic State. We need to protect the view sheds that draw people here.

Turbines were developed in the 70’s and built in the deserts and open areas, away from habitation. They were never intended to be placed near people. They are now being built “anywhere” because of the tax advantages and subsidies. The turbines contribute a very small percentage of electricity to the grid because of their intermittent and unreliable operation. They do after all, depend on the Wind.

Germany, at just 2.8 times the size of New York State has over 16,000 wind turbines and considers that reliable output is only 8% of installed capacity. Is this how we want New York State to end up? I think NOT! Our electricity demand will never be alleviated by wind power.

More research needs to be done regarding the “Negative” aspects of the Industrial Wind Turbines, including whether or not the people want them constructed around their homes. With as many Negative Impacts as these projects have, there needs to be more studies done on impacts vs. benefits. First and foremost though, the people, remember “We The People” should have a right to be heard. If you politicians allow the Wind Industry to overrun the State of New York with total disregard for the people, I guess nothing is Sacred anymore.

Please let me know how you plan to address this situation.

Sincerely,

Andy McEvoy
Co-director Fairfield Concerned Citizens Inc.
P.O. Box 1013,
Little Falls, NY 13365