Documents
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Rewiring California: Integrating Agendas For Energy Reform
November, 2012
by Little Hoover Commission
This report by the California Milton Marks “Little Hoover” Commission, an independent state oversight agency, calls on State leaders to direct the state’s energy organizations to assess the cumulative impact of recent major energy-related policies on electricity rates and reliability and whether these policies are achieving California’s energy and environmental goals. An excerpt of the executive summary is provided below. The full report can be found by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page.
Abstract: Green technologies (e.g. wind turbines, solar cells, and biofuels) and initiatives (e.g. efficiency, recycling, and organics) yield distinct unanticipated consequences that can partially or fully offset intended environmental benefits.
NLRA opposes Iberdrola windfarm in watershed of the lake
November 23, 2012
by Newfound Lake Region Association
Michael Nissenbaum MD responds to turbine noise complaints and 'nocebo' claims
November 22, 2012
by Michael A. Nissenbaum, MD
These important comments prepared by Dr. Michael Nissenbaum respond to questions raised by the Australian Senate Environment & Communications committee during its inquiry into wind turbine noise. In particular, Dr. Nissenbaum explains how the 'nocebo' effect is not a factor and that health complaints reported by those living near large turbines are real and require attention.
Using wind tunnels to predict bird mortality in wind farms: The case of Griffon Vultures
November 10, 2012
by Manuela de Lucas1, Miguel Ferrer, and Guyonne F. E. Janss
This recent paper offers important data on how birds use wind flows to aid in flight and how modeling wind flow across complex terrain can assist in siting wind energy facilities to reduce avian mortality.
Also filed under [
Impact on Wildlife|
Impact on Birds]
Senators call on Interior to justify the high-cost of offshore wind
November 9, 2012
by Senators David Vitter and Lamar Alexander
In a letter sent to the Department of the Interior, Sens. David Vitter (R-LA), the new Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Lamar Alexander (R-TN), ask for a comparison of royalty rates and other details of NRG Bluewater Wind’s bid for the lease with similarly sized offshore oil and gas leases.
Also filed under [
Offshore Wind|
USA]
The State of Maine Board of Environmental Protection denied the application of Passadumkeag WInd Park LLC to construct a 14-turbine, grid-scale, wind energy development. The denial was tied to the impact of the turbines on Scenic Resources of State or National Significance. An brief excerpt of the order is provided below. The full order can be accessed by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
Also filed under [
Impact on Landscape|
Maine]
Removing Big Wind's "Training Wheels": The case for ending the federal production tax credit
October, 2012
by David E. Dismukes
David E. Dismukes, a professor, associate executive director, and director of Policy Analysis at the Center for Energy Studies, Louisiana State University, lays out a clear description of the wind production tax credit and how the subsidy has become an unnecessary handout for an industry that, after 20-years, is unable to stand on its own without government assistance.
Also filed under [
Tax Breaks & Subsidies|
USA]
Green jobs program: Limited success in meeting employment and retention goals as of June 30, 2012
October 25, 2012
by U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General Office of Audit
The U.S. Recovery Act provided $500 million for research, labor exchange, and job training projects to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The main focus of the Green Jobs training program was to prepare individuals for jobs in Green industry sectors. This report by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General Office of Audit found that only 16% of those trained under the program retained their jobs for more than 6 months.
Also filed under [
Technology|
USA]
Citizens v. Iberdrola Hardscrabble Wind Farm
October 22, 2012
by Jeff D. DeFrancisco and Melody Scalfone