Comments on: The Wind, The Wind

By: John Weckerle

John Weckerle — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:41:15 +0000

I don’t dispute that the P&Z Commission is working hard, nor do I doubt the enthusiasm and energy invested in this by the Energy Committee. What I am seeing through publicly available channels is that there appears to be a headlong rush toward wind – and wind without restrictions. The minutes available on the Town web site reveal little discussion other than that associated with wind. Recent newspaper articles show a movement toward reducing or eliminating restrictions on wind towers, reversing previous consideration of residents’interests. What is lacking is a measured, comprehensive approach to developing a renewable energy strategy that considers not only all practicable approaches, but takes into account such issues as ecology and current/projected land use.

While my current schedule keeps me from attending most meetings, I did send a letter to the Town detailing all my concerns and suggesting a more balanced approach. As discussed in my most recent NM-central.com article on the Town’s energy strategy, it would appear that the concerns voiced in that letter were briefly discussed and given very little actual consideration. Certainly there has been no change in direction or broadening of scope – in fact, the push toward a wind emphasis seems to have increased in intensity. Regardless, I maintain that Edgewood should be considering a strategy that allows wind turbines to be installed where they are appropriate, and restricted where they are not – potentially with different restrictions in different places, depending on development and environment.

It will be interesting to see how companies seeking cell phone tower sites will see this. It may be difficult for the Town to demonstrate that it is not being arbitrary and capricious in allowing one type of tower virtually anywhere and restricting another.

By: Bob Steiner

Bob Steiner — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:50:52 +0000

As One who has attended several meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission where Wind turbines have been discussed, I am somewhat disappointed in John’s comments above. While the town of Edgewood may not employ an engineering staff comparible to Sandia Labs, Rey Fulwiler, John Bassett, and other members of that commission have gone to great lengths to obtain manufacturer’s and user data on wind turbines. This material has been presented in great detail to the commission and the audience present (for one such recent meeting I was the only person in the audience!). I must really commend P & Z for their efforts on this and related issues!

While he may not get all the publicity that other members of our community do, John Abrams, Chairman of the Energy Committee, is doing a lot of work on this and other related energy issues. I have posed several questions to Mr. Abrams and he has always been responsive.

SUGGESTION: If any of the Blog readers are truly interested in what Edgewood is doing regarding energy, they could attend the meetings of the two committees and voice their concerns and/or opinions. I am certain that those who are doing the ground work on energy would value their assistance!

By: Chuck Ring

Chuck Ring — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:05:53 +0000

Thanks for your reasoned comments. As always you mention salient points that others might miss. As a new member of the energy committee (EC), I can offer no absolute assurance that your concerns have been addressed point by point. I can only say, based on what I have been told and what little I’ve observed, that the EC is looking at the opportunities that include other appropriate opportunities. How far along they may be I cannot say at this juncture, but I promise to offer whatever information I find regarding the committees work.
Since I am just now getting into the EC effort, I can’t say for certain, why the EC seemingly (that’s a big seemingly) has approached wind with a more forceful (no pun intended) effort. But, as I’ve said before, I suspect it has something to do with deadlines and other issues for submitting documents for the application of wind energy grants. One other possible reason, and I have no independent knowledge of this, is that the tangle of requirements for solar permitting are or will be much less onerous, than that which is likely to be settled on in the case of wind, i.e. height, noise, flyways, etc.
I agree that Edgewood needs to consider any option that is viable for a full plate of opportunities.

By: John Weckerle

John Weckerle — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:27:10 +0000

I’ve been a general proponent of wind energy, with the caveat that it is especially important to ensure that wind applications are implemented appropriately, with full consideration of ecological considerations and in harmony with existing and planned future development. I am in favor of a full suite of energy options, and wish that the Edgewood committee had given more time to examining a balanced portfolio rather than immediately pursuing wind in an apparently exclusive manner. I understand that there is a grant opportunity, seemingly associated with a 200-foot wind turbine. The current move toward eliminating all restrictions – height, setbacks, etc. is simply another indication that the Town committee is dominated by those who would suborn all other considerations to promote a technology that has the support of key members. In my mind, this is short-sighted and likely to prove divisive.