The WindAction Group (www.windAction.org)
Facts, analysis, exposure to industrial wind energy's real impacts
This useful paper discusses the response of those who view wind turbine visual simulations using virtual reality and those who see the same image as a 2-dimensional graphic. The study found that the VR rendering provided viewers more information to assess their "visitation experience." It was found that VR technology caused respondents, on average, "to have more negative reactions to the wind turbines." The introduction and conclusion of the paper are provided below. The full paper can be accessed at the document links on this page.
Seeing clearly in a virtual reality: Tourist reactions to an offshore wind project
This useful paper discusses the response of those who view wind turbine visual simulations using virtual reality and those who see the same image as a 2-dimensional graphic. The study found that the VR rendering provided viewers more information to assess their "visitation experience." It was found that VR technology caused respondents, on average, "to have more negative reactions to the wind turbines." The introduction and conclusion of the paper are provided below. The full paper can be accessed at the document links on this page.
The Maine Tourism Association provided this testimony in support of Maine bill LD 901, a bill that calls for a I5-mile buffer zone and visual impact assessment on expedited wind energy development in order to protect some of the most popular tourist desitinations in the State. Maine tourism supports 16% of the state's employment and brings in $8.8 billion in total sales annually.
This draft decision prepared by the Staff for the Maine Department of Environmental Protection details why the Bowers Mountain Wind Park should be denied. The project consisted of 16 Vestas or Siemens 3.0 megawatt turbines (48 MWs in total). Following extensive hearings on the project the Department found the project would create an unreasonable adverse effect on the scenic character and existing uses related to scenic character in the area surrounding the project. The full draft order can be accessed by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page.
The Boyds Mars Hill, ME provided this letter to the residents of Byron and Roxbury, ME in hopes the voters of both towns would make informed decisions before agreeing to permit industrial turbines on their ridgelines. This letter is published here with the permission of Boyds.