I take great offence to Tyler Hamilton's comments in his article on industrial wind power. It would be both naive and irresponsible for rural residents to blindly accept such a dramatic change to their communities. We NIMBYs are the only individuals in the province who have taken the time to research and understand this issue. Since the declaration of this renewable energy initiative, both residents and rural councils have been requesting clear and responsible policy guidance from the provincial government that is fair to both residents and developers. Three years later, we are still waiting.

As a stakeholder who has participated in two environmental screenings for wind power projects, I can assure you that the environmental issues were raised not only by residents, but also by well-respected environmental agencies that are important stakeholders in the process.

To suggest that the approval process be streamlined and that these huge projects be "fast-tracked" displays his lack of understanding regarding the significant environmental impacts associated with industrial wind power.

Hamilton contradicts himself by correctly stating the extreme limitations of industrial wind power, and then claiming that somehow it will be able to replace our coal and nuclear power plants. I suggest he check his facts before making such dramatic statements about the benefits of industrial wind power. To date, not a single coal-fired or nuclear generating plant has been closed as a result of the erection of thousands of turbines worldwide. Claims of dramatic environmental benefits are unfounded as the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions attributed to wind power is virtually immeasurable.

Hamilton is quick to condemn rural Ontarians to live within an industrial power plant 24/7 and sacrifice their quality of life so that these installations, even with their limited and unclear benefits (except to the almighty investor) can move forward. His overwhelming support of wind energy confirms my suspicions that this push for wind power is nothing more than a Toronto-based, "feel good" exercise.