Futility of Wind Power (towns, price, vent, solar power)

[High_Plains_Retired]

Originally Posted by DCforever

Assessments are prepared for a farm not for each turbine.

The scope of such an analysis sounds about right. To submit less to analysis would present a strong legal complaint for "piecemealing" under NEPA. However, I disagree that an EA is ever sufficient for such large affected areas as those we see here on the TX/NM South Plains in some of these larger wind farms.

I'm surprised genuine environmentalists, if there are such animals, have yet to challenge that EAs are extremely insufficient for such huge projects as some of these wind farms in Texas. However, this is poor west Texas farming country. Many Texans don't even know this area of the State exists and the same number of Texans and environmentalists would readily surrender it to any carpetbagger's proposal if it brings profit to their own pocketbook or their sick political agenda.

[DCforever]

Originally Posted by High_Plains_Retired

The scope of such an analysis sounds about right. To submit less to analysis would present a strong legal complaint for "piecemealing" under NEPA. However, I disagree that an EA is ever sufficient for such large affected areas as those we see here on the TX/NM South Plains in some of these larger wind farms.

I'm surprised genuine environmentalists, if there are such animals, have yet to challenge that EAs are extremely insufficient for such huge projects as some of these wind farms in Texas. However, this is poor west Texas farming country. Many Texans don't even know this area of the State exists and the same number of Texans and environmentalists would readily surrender it to any carpetbagger's proposal if it brings profit to their own pocketbook or their sick political agenda.

You are aware that if an EA finds significant impact an EIS is triggered? An individual wind farm is actually quite small compared to the scope of an EIS. BLM conducted an EIS of wind development on western lands under its control. That is the scale at which an EIS is appropriate and at that level, it is being done. Farmers do much more damage to the environment than wind farms.

[High_Plains_Retired]

Originally Posted by DCforever

You are aware that if an EA finds significant impact an EIS is triggered?

Possibly more than you will ever guess or know.

[High_Plains_Retired]

So why was the entirety of the Hale (County) Wind Farm shut down all day today and, on a safety issue, why are there no red clearance lights operating on any of the turbine towers tonight? I guess everyone must be at church or could it be just another "oops"?

Clear now for birds of prey but small aircraft beware.

[DCforever]

Originally Posted by High_Plains_Retired

So why was the entirety of the Hale (County) Wind Farm shut down all day today and, on a safety issue, why are there no red clearance lights operating on any of the turbine towers tonight? I guess everyone must be at church or could it be just another "oops"?

Clear now for birds of prey but small aircraft beware.

Perhaps you could tell us. Maybe no wind?

[High_Plains_Retired]

Originally Posted by DCforever

Perhaps you could tell us. Maybe no wind?

I doubt that the lack of wind would cause clearance lights for safety purposes not to work but we've had 10 to 18 mph winds yesterday and about the same today and the turbine blades are still not moving today. The turbines are all pointed to the SE when the wind direction is from the NW.

Since I'm neither a farmer or an investor, I couldn't begin to guess why everything seems to be shut down.

[DCforever]

Originally Posted by High_Plains_Retired

I doubt that the lack of wind would cause clearance lights for safety purposes not to work but we've had 10 to 18 mph winds yesterday and about the same today and the turbine blades are still not moving today. The turbines are all pointed to the SE when the wind direction is from the NW.

Since I'm neither a farmer or an investor, I couldn't begin to guess why everything seems to be shut down.

But the lights are still on in your house.

[High_Plains_Retired]

Originally Posted by DCforever

But the lights are still on in your house.

Most of the time yes but not due to the local noisy wind turbines. That energy supposedly is not going to anywhere in Texas.

[DCforever]

Originally Posted by High_Plains_Retired

Most of the time yes but not due to the local noisy wind turbines. That energy supposedly is not going to anywhere in Texas.

Southwest Public Service isn't in Texas?

[guidoLaMoto]

Originally Posted by DCforever

But the lights are still on in your house.

Thanks to the fossil fuel based back-up plants.