Wind turbine decision affects entire state

During the past five months or so, the little town of Prospect has been the focus of intense debate regarding BNE Energy's desire to erect two massively huge industrial wind turbines, towering at 490 feet, within a peaceful, tranquil, neighborhood. Neighbors of this town spent thousands upon thousands of dollars, time and energy to research, bring in witnesses, and pay for legal representation; wrote letters; and gave impassioned testimonies at public hearings. I was among them at one of the public hearings in Prospect, and never before have I been so moved by speakers, and never have I felt my heart in my own words so deeply as when it was my turn to speak. The Connecticut Siting Council is to gather the evidence, listen fairly to the testimony and make a decision on whether or not the industrial turbines belong in a quiet neighborhood. The hearings are coming to a close and the final "decision" hearing will be held on May 12 in New Britain.

During these past five months, so much evidence was presented to the council about shadow flicker, infranoise, ice throw, and falling property values. These are not small items, and they are well known around the world in communities that have suffered the consequences of poorly sited energy projects. These concerns are based in fact and research, both medical and scientific. I hope that the Siting Council will really understand this, and make a vote that is correct in both mind and heart, to honor the rights, freedom and well-being of our neighbors in Prospect.

Much controversy has surrounded this issue from the start. People love to say, "but it's green energy." Well, yes, that well may be. But it is not green when it is placed in the middle of a neighborhood, affecting people. Then it is destructive.

Even if there were no issues such as the above health concerns and property value, it should matter when a person wants their life respected and their dreams honored. This is America, home of the free. We honor people's dreams here. We respect people's freedom to choose their own life, and create a community that is safe for all. The people of Prospect (saveprospect.com) who are trying to preserve their neighborhood are only asking for the respect that all of us deserve.

What decision the Siting Council makes will have an impact on many lives. Many are watching. If the council decides to dishonor the residents of the "hill" and allow those turbines to be built (that's turbines, nearly 500 feet tall, not some cute little "windmill") they will send a powerful message that says it is OK to crush the rights of some in our state, disregard strong scientific evidence, disregard human testimony of experience, and destroy dreams. On the other hand, if they decide to open their hearts and minds, and listen to hundreds of testimonies, facts, and honest words, and say "no" to the turbines, what a shining example of fairness, balance, truth and respect they will be setting for the future of siting such projects.

Connecticut currently lacks any regulation for the siting of wind energy projects, hence the role of the Siting Council. We all need to be aware of this, because while this is happening in Prospect right now, it could be your yard in the future. We need to respect everyone when it comes to placing "renewable" or "green" energy projects, to ensure that they do no harm. Otherwise, they are not green at all.

What can you do to help? What you may do now may help your own neighborhood in the future. Write or call your state representative and senator now, asking them to support Bill 6249 which calls for a moratorium on all wind power projects in Connecticut until safety regulations are created, to ensure that green energy is safe for all people, and the environment.

As a state, we are all one. What happens to one will affect all of us, and so I ask every reader to open their hearts and please consider how this situation would affect you if two 490-foot industrial turbines were erected in your neighborhood. Open your hearts and minds and step into the world of these people ... would you want someone to speak on your behalf? Visit saveprospect.com to learn more and help. It's easy to do, and you can have a voice in the future of creating a safe state with healthy energy, and true freedom and health for all.