Wind power isn't so friendly | greenbaypressgazette.com

PULASKI — The March 2 article stating that wind turbines will greatly reduce our dependence on foreign oil is misleading. Wind turbines produce electricity, and according to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, only about 1 percent of the state's electricity is generated by burning oil.

In Wisconsin's haste to promote wind energy, 215 turbines — each 400 feet tall — were built in the Fond du Lac area, with sites dictated by the state and wind developers. Residents' concerns were ignored. Now, many living among the turbines describe the noise from the blade rotation as "jet like" and can be heard in their homes with windows closed. No one is listening to their pleas, just as their concerns were ignored.

Additionally, electricity derived from turbines is extremely expensive and unreliable. Because wind is intermittent, turbines produce electricity only about 25 percent of the time. Since Denmark enthusiastically promoted wind energy, its electricity rate has risen to 30 cents per kilowatt hour, about three times Wisconsin's current rate.

Dr R K Pachauri's Blog: Still more political advocacy from the allegedly "policy-neutral" IPCC head

Such an achievement would inspire and reassure the world that what President Obama has stated is valid, that is the US is ready to lead. But, it is also important that the US matches at least the commitment made by the European Union to reduce its emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by the year 2020. If US legislation targets something lower this would clearly have an unfavourable effect on other countries of the world.