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Letter from Congressman Mollohan (D-WV) to Director Jeff Herholdt of the West Virginia Division of Energy
Dear Mr. Herholdt:
I am submitting the following comments on the provisions of the proposed state energy plan that address the construction of industrial, wind-energy projects in West Virginia.
The proposed plan sets out a number of important proposals, but my comments focus on these provisions because like many other West Virginians, I have long been concerned about the construction of industrial wind-energy projects in our state. In addition, it appears that thus far these projects have received relatively little public attention.
As detailed below, these provisions are badly flawed in that they entirely disregard the serious environmental concerns that are raised by industrial wind-energy development in the mid-Atlantic region. Those concerns have been articulated by, among others, an expert study committee of the National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U. S. Government Accountability Office, as well as numerous citizens of this state in proceedings before the West Virginia Public Service Commission.
With regard to industrial wind-energy development, we need to adopt a thoughtful, comprehensive, and common-sense approach. What this means is that before our state goes down the path of widespread construction of wind turbines on our mountain ridges, we should carefully weigh both the costs and the benefits of that development to West Virginians, both now and in the future. I also submit that in making decisions on whether the construction of industrial wind-energy projects will be allowed in our state - and if so, when, where, and under what terms and conditions - the citizens of this state should be involved to the fullest extent possible.
Elaboration on these points follows.
Editor's note: Remainder of this letter can be accessed at the below link.
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