www.windaction.org | facts, analysis, exposure of wind energy's real impacts http://www.windaction.org/ facts, analysis, exposure of wind energy's real impacts en-us Windaction hourly 1 http://backend.userland.com/rss Commission: Deny wind power project - Horizon Wind Energy project now goes to county commissioners for review of recommendation http://www.windaction.org/articles/1446 Wed, 01 Feb 2006 02:46:00 GMT The Kittitas County Planning Commission on Monday voted 5-0 to recommend denial of the Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project proposed for 12 miles northwest of Ellensburg. http://www.windaction.org/articles/1446 Wind farm opponents speak out http://www.windaction.org/articles/1275 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 18:28:04 GMT Opponents of the Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project dominated Wednesday’s second hearing on the wind farm proposed for 12 miles northwest of Ellensburg. They said the damage to scenic views from the wind turbines can’t be lessened and will reduce property values. http://www.windaction.org/articles/1275 Wind farm makes its case for approval - Some dispute land values study http://www.windaction.org/articles/1243 Wed, 11 Jan 2006 13:14:47 GMT Roger Weaver, owner of three RE/MAX Community Realty offices in Kittitas County, said he testified and challenged the consultant’s study. He said there was “no way a wind farm won’t have a significant impact on residential development in the Kittitas Valley.” http://www.windaction.org/articles/1243 Testimony of David Taylor Before the State of Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council http://www.windaction.org/articles/306 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 GMT A. Yes. It's been my experience property values are directly affected by neighboring land uses. For example, property uses that create noise, light, glare, and other such nuisances often negatively affect property values.

]]> Q. In your experience, do adjacent land uses affect property values? A. Yes. It's been my experience property values are directly affected by neighboring land uses. For example, property uses that create noise, light, glare, and other such nuisances often negatively affect property values. http://www.windaction.org/articles/306 Economic Impacts of Wind Power in Kittitas County http://www.windaction.org/articles/194 Thu, 30 Jan 2003 17:40:09 GMT Primary Analysis Questions:

1) Determine effect of wind turbines on residential property values

2) Determine economic impacts to local economy

3) Estimate new tax revenues for Kittitas County from proposed wind farm.

This study along with the REPP study are the two most often cited by wind developers to support their claim that industrial windplants do not adversely affect property values. ]]> Study Objectives Primary Analysis Questions: 1) Determine effect of wind turbines on residential property values 2) Determine economic impacts to local economy 3) Estimate new tax revenues for Kittitas County from proposed wind farm. This study along with the REPP study are the two most often cited by wind developers to support their claim that industrial windplants do not adversely affect property values. http://www.windaction.org/articles/194 Local Reaction to the ECO-Northwest “Economic” Study Of Wind Farms http://www.windaction.org/articles/549 Wed, 01 Jan 2003 05:00:00 GMT The report makes the incredible claim that property values will not be affected and the unsubstantiated claim that the county will receive millions of dollars in increased revenue. Although the wind energy companies state that they will hire only 22 people, the report manages to inflate this to 53 jobs and claims that these people will somehow result in an additional $4.2m being spent within the county.

ECO Northwest’s report also neglects to consider the effect of major wind farms on tourism, one of the most important factors in the local economy. It does not consider alternative locations for such projects, or alternative forms of renewable energy in Kittitas County, or whether the county will benefit from the power generated. Nor does it consider that the proposed location for these wind farms is an area that the city of Ellensburg will need for future expansion of its population, an area that will be closed off for housing if wind farms are built there.

]]> ECO-Northwest’s 1-month, $15,000 study, sponsored by the local business lobby organization, the Phoenix Group, has been met with deep skepticism in the Kittitas Valley. Regardless of how people feel about wind farms in this valley, most people recognize this report as simply a blatant endorsement of proposed local wind energy projects, bought and paid for by those behind these projects. A local newspaper story about ECO Northwest’s report titled “Are Wind Farm Benefits Full of Hot Air?” (The Yakima Herald-Republic, 10/2102) reflects this public skepticism about the impartiality of this study. The report makes the incredible claim that property values will not be affected and the unsubstantiated claim that the county will receive millions of dollars in increased revenue. Although the wind energy companies state that they will hire only 22 people, the report manages to inflate this to 53 jobs and claims that these people will somehow result in an additional $4.2m being spent within the county. ECO Northwest’s report also neglects to consider the effect of major wind farms on tourism, one of the most important factors in the local economy. It does not consider alternative locations for such projects, or alternative forms of renewable energy in Kittitas County, or whether the county will benefit from the power generated. Nor does it consider that the proposed location for these wind farms is an area that the city of Ellensburg will need for future expansion of its population, an area that will be closed off for housing if wind farms are built there. http://www.windaction.org/articles/549