As a proud Down East Bettie resident, after attending the open meeting in the civic center on "Solar and Wind Energy" Monday night, I walked away feeling proud of my knowledge. I felt strongly N.C. state employees, N.C. State University solar energy professionals and employees representing the developers and power companies on the panel evidently had far less knowledge on industrial wind energy than I've gained in my almost 24/7 research this past month. Of the many important issues raised and questions asked, there were no honest, knowledgeable answers from any members of the panel.

The literature made available to the public was simply "positive" information. It covered absolutely "none" of the multitude of "negative" issues that have been researched, studied and reported on by professionals in every related aspect of the usage and establishment of wind turbines throughout the world. This information is readily available on hundreds of sites regarding wind turbines by typing in "wind turbine dangers" or "wind turbines health" issues or "wind turbine noise." These sites will take you to more information that you could possibly consume in the next 30 days. You will find "positive" and "negative" reports by manufacturers, energy companies, land developers and professionals in both the medical and science fields.

Trying to open minded and wanting to learn everything available on industrial wind turbines proposed to be erected next to my home, I was amazed at the multitude of "dangers and health issues" directly related to their being allowed within a certain proximity to any residence, highway, electrical facility, school, hospital, etc. As in any research, information is based on history related to every aspect of studies on health issues: vibro-accoustic disease, seizures, migraines, heart issues and depression, and noise studies and dangers as related to fatigue and collapse, high winds, fires, etc. It appears the findings and reports, even those recommendations of the makers/builders of the equipment, all basically agree that the establishment of "proper siting regulations" can protect every property owner, including towns, counties and state owned property on basically every concern.

My goal as a Bettie property owner and community member is to encourage our county and state lawmakers to grant the requested moratorium of 12 to 18 months, allowing the necessary time to obtain every detail of information, in every respect, thereby enabling them to establish the required regulations needed to protect the citizens of North Carolina statewide.

Insurance issues are an area of major concern. In 2007 our state insurance commissioners granted a 25% increase in rates in coastal areas covering "wind and hail coverage." This coverage is no longer included as a part of our homeowner's insurance coverage or premium. This clearly states coastal North Carolina is a "hazardous wind area" that has evidently cost insurance companies more money for repairs and clean up than they liked at prior rates, thereby reducing profits. If "wind" is a problem for insurance companies, like a nor'easter, what will it be with "unregulated" industrial wind turbine farms? This would be an accident waiting to happen and we're the ones that will "again pay the ultimate price."

When insurance and liability issues came to mind earlier this month, I immediately wrote the N.C. Insurance commissioner, outlining my many questions. I asked who would be liable for any damage as a result of the wind turbines, regardless of whether the damage was to my home, our highways, vehicles traveling in the highway or parked at a residential property. This concern related to objects being thrown by the turbines, i.e., pelicans, geese, egrets, etc., the splinter of a turbine or the collapse of the entire structure. I asked who would be liable when construction begins and equipment is transported over the North River bridge (the sole ingress and egress) to all Down East communities, damaging the bridge or road. I asked who would be liable should the bridge become unusable for not only repairs but for bringing in transportation, like ferries, to allow citizens access to and from their homes and businesses.

From what I've learned, the land owner will either do the construction, after establishing a "limited liability corporation," then lease the land and any electrical power produced to the power company, which we know will have a clause in its lease protecting it from liability, leaving the liability factor wide open for any injured party to fight in court until doomsday. When this question was presented to the panel, the response was "It would be a court issue to determine liability." It should never be a court determined liability issue. Liability should be outlined in any permit, and/or lease regarding any aspect of the life of the project.

As was expected, I have not received a response from the insurance commissioner. After all, state agencies have no prior knowledge or dealing in these areas, therefore no answers, again, a major reason for a statewide moratorium allowing time needed to establish regulations that will enable all division of state government to have answers and procedures in place. This is an industry and must be regulated in every aspect.

Another issue falling under our insurance commissioner is liability. Will our local or state government require a bond to cover any damage? Will this bond also cover the removal of any and all equipment remaining on site if and when the equipment is damaged by weather, i.e., salt air, age, collapse, or if the leaseholder walks away after learning it isn't a profitable investment, or will we be left with the ever increasing dangers of old equipment, standing or lying where it collapsed?

Our government agencies are encouraging "new energy resources" in allowing grants, tax credits, etc. In 2007 a federal bill was signed allocating $14 billion to support this. Wind and solar energy allocations far exceed any other source of energy, with no evidence either is able to supply the amount of energy quoted as needed in the future.

If you can't relate to the size of industrial wind turbines, picture something standing almost three times the height of our beautiful Cape Lookout lighthouse. This is what the Pauls propose to erect in Bettie in their application to the N.C. Utilities Commission.

It is my belief the proposal for Bettie is simply a test site to enable developers to establish wind turbine farms all along our beautiful treasured coast before strict guidelines, regulations and laws are in place. We cannot allow this to happen. Every citizen in Carteret County and our state should be concerned. If you agree, call your commissioners and state representatives and express your concerns where it will count.