News-Tribune

Wed Sep 02, 2009, 11:22 AM EDT

Keyser , W.Va. -

Blinking lights prompt opposition to wind turbines

To the Editor:

I wish to express my opposition to the current wind turbine project in Mineral County . Initially, I was in favor of the windmills. However, as time has progressed, my attitude has changed. We live in a financially strapped area with limited opportunities. I welcome most any business to our community providing employment.

My opinion changed when the Mt. Storm wind turbines were installed in Grant County . I do not mind the look of the turbines during the day. (from a distance) However, the lights at night detract from our rural atmosphere to an extreme. To dot all of our mountains with a string of blinking turbines will be a terrible price to pay, with other negative ramifications we can only imagine.

A little further research on my part revealed wind turbines don't replace anything. They require fossil fuel burning power plants as a backup to wind’s inconsistent electric generation. The only thing they consistently do is line the pockets of the entities installing them, additionally providing them with “GREEN CREDITS” so they can poison us in some other fashion.

I am tired of these "carpet bagger" projects profoundly damaging our communities. They take advantage of West Virginians fiercely independent nature and our “Live and Let Live”  attitudes towards others.

I would be more than happy to discuss this with anyone showing me facts, not glossy corporate spin.  Maybe we should make a deal with the energy companies.  We will allow one wind turbine in our beautiful West Virginia mountains for every one they are allowed placed in Washington , D.C. or perhaps at Camp David .

Charles D. Bess, M.D.

Keyser