A Few Reflections On The Wind Debate In Dixfield

I had approached Linda Walbridge about having someone from Hydro-Quebec speak at the debate ,feeling they might represent an alternative to wind farms in Maine. Not sure whether Linda thought much of this idea, I emailed Hydro-Quebec with the request, fully knowing it would be rejected. To my surprise, I got a response. As one would expect, they were very conservative with their answers, but, nevertheless , one can surmise they are interested in becoming an energy giant and exports to America is on their agenda.
Remember when Senator Mills alluded to less expensive power from Hydro-Quebec and how hurting it would be to wind developers. My ears perked up .
As for Senator Mill’s statement concerning nuclear energy, when he referred to the federal government’s renewed interest, I knew this statement required follow-up. I gave him a copy of the printout I had brought to the debate “ Understanding E = MC2 “ and emailed him this morning about a conversation I had with a person in the nuclear industry whose company is building a nuke plant in South Carolina, which, by the way, has been offered a 30% construction cost grant by the federal energy department.
Have not heard much from citizens who attended the debate yet. Two things stick out for me. Dr. Aniel made the statement that a two mile setback or “ maybe more” is required for wind turbine placement. Tom Powell stated the same. And the DEP guy informed everyone that their rules do not address setbacks. I hope this registered with our select few and everyone in the audience. A TWO MILE SETBACK from abutting properties would put the kibosh to a lot of wind farms.
The other thing that I feel was the “ highlight of the evening “ was the response given to Dylan when he requested playing audio of the wind mill sounds. No OJ and the glove presentation allowed here!!!!
I am going to see if anyone from our High School debate team attended and ask their opinion on who won the debate from their prospective.
One opportunity that exists for us and has a good chance of revealing how weak our pro-wind friend’s arguments are, is to recommend to our fellow towns, in the midst of dealing with wind farms, to put on this debate, with the same panelists, sponsored by the same organizations. I wonder if Dr. Jennings and Dylan would be willing to face humiliation again.
I don’t know Mr. Albrecht, but will certainly look him up. I responded to his blog comment in the Lewiston Sun Journal. It may interest you.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Berg and his wife. They are impressive, to say the least. I had recommended to Linda to include Mr. Berg as a speaker and I wished she had. He is former chief of the US federal energy commission and a professor emeritus of MIT. His opinion of Dylan, who also attended MIT is priceless. We need him to speak for us. Get to know them. He lives in Buckfield.