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Ill wind blowing: Towers foul up radar
"A formal vetting process is required with the necessary authorities to prevent projects from interfering with the defense of North America, while supporting the expansion of alternative energy sources, such as wind farms," Renuart told the House committee.
Wind towers can interfere with radar in two ways: their height and their spinning blades.
April 5, 2010
by Peter Roper
in Pueblo Chieftain
The general in charge of NORAD expresses concerns to a House panel.
Wind towers appear to be the most harmless source of energy - standing tall with their massive blades turning in the wind at speeds close to 170 mph at their tips.
That's not entirely true, Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart explained to the House Armed Services Committee earlier this month. Renuart, a fighter pilot and commander of U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs, testified that wind farms and towers can disrupt U.S. military and civilian radar systems, a problem that is growing along with the popularity of wind energy.
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