Blowing in the wind

By Lindsay Blair
Residents and officials in Plattsburgh maintain positive attitudes towards wind energy, despite continued opposition to wind projects in Beekmantown.
A recent report in the Press Republican outlined the problems facing proposed wind farm project in the area. The West Beekmantown Neighborhood Association expressed opposition toward the project proposed by Penn Energy LLC from its inception, according to the Press Republican.
Surrounding areas of Plattsburgh already host one of New York State’s largest wind farms at Maple Ridge farm, two hours southwest of the city and there are four wind farms in total operating state-wide. The “clean” power generated from these renewable energy sources is enough to power 90,000 homes, according to a spokesperson from the Alliance for Clean Energy New York.
There are currently 43 wind farms in New York State, with three in the Plattsburgh area. Plans to build more wind farms in the northern and western areas outside of the city are being considered, according to Bernie Bassett, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor.
“There are a number of plans for windmills in progress and we have had research projects underway for six months to see if anywhere locally was suitable for further windmill sites,” said Bassett.
Bassett said that there is only a small area for wind farms now as many of the proposed sites for turbines are not the best use of the land. He said that Plattsburgh officials are always looking for other sources to provide renewable energy to the Adirondack region and the city hall is looking to collaborate with Clinton Community College who have the only certified wind turbine course.
“It (renewable energy) is a priority,” he said, “We are looking at the long term gain.”
But Environmental science professor at Plattsburgh State, David Franzi, said that the power generated from renewable energy sources provides only ten percent of the overall power needed.
“None of the resources that are currently available are capable of producing the amount of power that could successfully substitute for fossil fuel or nuclear.
“They (renewable sources) all contribute and they are all things that ought to be done, but it’s something around only ten percent of the power that we need,” said Franzi.
Although Franzi said that wind energy is a beneficial alternate resource, he said that the aesthetics are not something he finds attractive, but something that he and others have to live with, “I understand the need for them just like I understand the need for transmission lines, I don’t like the look of them either but I know that they bring the electricity we use. So I live with them,”
“If we don’t mind living in a continuous wind farm then you could develop more (turbines) but even so it is not nearly as efficient as some of the nuclear or fossil fuel burning plants so something has to happen. Either the tech has to get a whole lot better, which it likely will improve or we are going to have to find some other sources,” he said.
The need for alternate sources, as well as wind power is something that Bassett agrees with, “Technology is changing and we have to look for additional other sources,” the town supervisor said.
However, residents of Plattsburgh are not opposed to wind turbines in the area. Barry Raffle, a banker in downtown Plattsburgh said, “I support it, it is cost effective and it makes sense environmentally.”
“I think using wind to create electricity is a wonderful idea. I have always wondered how the turbines work,” said shop owner, Devin LaFave.
There are some who, like the residents of West Beekmantown are less in favor of the turbines, “I don’t want it in my backyard, that is all I will say,” said one Plattsburgh resident who did not wish to be named. But the “not in my backyard” attitude is something that is seen often, but also something that is dying down, according to Bassett.
“I think aesthetics have a lot to do with it (opposition), there are a lot of other concerns; ice falling off the blades in the winter time, bats and birds getting injured,” said Franzi.
The use of wind turbines is a cost effective means, according to Franzi, who said that the people leasing their land for the use of wind farms are making money out of it.
“Nobody does anything unless they can make money out of it, people aren’t building wind farms because they want to save the environment, they’re building wind farms because they want to make money,” he said.
Penn Energy Trust LLC, who is responsible for the management of wind farms in northern New York State, said on their website (http://www.pennrealestategroup.com/penn-energy-trust.htm). “Each project is designed to earn the support and trust of the stakeholders involved - including the members of the residential, political and business communities. Smart design eliminates likely sources of objection by considering the project from the perspective of all involved. Support is generally found for a well-conceived and well-designed project.” But when asked about opposition to wind projects in the North Country, they declined to comment.
“There’s not been a lot of opposition really from people in our municipality,” said Bassett, “Stereotype (beliefs on wind turbines) don’t belong in our area,” he said.