# People who complain about wind turbine plans. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 30, 2003, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934 "2003-07-30T17:04:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/41 "2003-07-31T19:30:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tdn \* > \*\*Slight correction: It’s because of assholes like me that you don’t get to place new construction willy-nilly without consideration for what negative consequences there might be. \*\* Negative consequences being… > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tdn \* > **They will be an eyesore in a tourist area where a lack of eyesores is a major attraction.** and \*\* > [@](#): > > They are a butt-ugly sight being put where peoples’ livelihoods depend on an absence of butt-ugly sights. \*\* [sub]Man that is just fucking pathetic.[/sub] \*\* > [@](#): > > Then let’s also build wind farms in the Grand Canyon, around the Pyramids, and along the Great Wall. \*\* If there is a need to build these things miles off in the distance perhaps we should explore it. \*\* > [@](#): > > **World Eater** please link to where I said I was against wind power in any way, shape or form. \*\* I’ll just recycle the first quote… > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tdn \* > \*\*Count me as one of the selfish bitchers. They will not only be put out at sea, they will be put smack dab in the middle of one of the best views in New England, which also happens to be a pristene wildlife preserve. They will be an eyesore in a tourist area where a lack of eyesores is a major attraction. They will lower property values. They are a butt-ugly sight being put where peoples’ livelihoods depend on an absence of butt-ugly sights. > > Of course, people will whine about my whining – that I complain about my pwecious wittle view. Fine. Then let’s also build wind farms in the Grand Canyon, around the Pyramids, and along the Great Wall. \*\* Seems like you are against a situation where wind power would be beneficial, am I wrong? ---
**Author:** ![Grey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/42 "2003-07-31T19:49:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tdn \* > **Count me as one of the selfish bitchers. They will not only be put out at sea, they will be put smack dab in the middle of one of the best views in New England, which also happens to be a pristene wildlife preserve. They will be an eyesore in a tourist area where a lack of eyesores is a major attraction. They will lower property values. They are a butt-ugly sight being put where peoples’ livelihoods depend on an absence of butt-ugly sights.** **tdn** you and I went around this a bunch a few weeks back. I vaguely remember you mentioning you were heading up to the Cape. They’ve put up a pilot tower to measure winds etc. It’s about 200m if I remember right. Did you get a chance to check it out? I’ll admit that a 1 to 150 comparison isn’t completely fair but what did you see? ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/43 "2003-07-31T19:56:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > \*\*Seems like you are against a situation where wind power would be beneficial, am I wrong? \*\* Yes. You are wrong. I never said I was against wind power. I asked to you provide a link where I said otherwise and you have failed. Since you seem to be suffering from a lack of reading comprehension skills, let me state it for you clearly: I am all for wind power. I just question the wisdom of putting it in that particular location. Lat me repeat, this time in bold, hoping against hope that it will give you a clue: **I am all for wind power. I just question the wisdom of putting it in that particular location.** Please reread the bolded portion again, then kindly come to the conclusion that this is not rocket science. If you once again come to the erroneous conclusion that I am against all wind power, please consider the fact that you might be an idiot. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/44 "2003-07-31T20:00:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Grey \* > \*\ ***tdn** you and I went around this a bunch a few weeks back. I vaguely remember you mentioning you were heading up to the Cape. They’ve put up a pilot tower to measure winds etc. It’s about 200m if I remember right. Did you get a chance to check it out? I’ll admit that a 1 to 150 comparison isn’t completely fair but what did you see? \*\* I haven’t gone yet. I leave on the 10th. BTW, I’m going the Vineyard, not the Cape proper, so I don’t know if I’ll even see the pilot tower. Do you know where it will be? If it’s going to be where the wind farm is, I’ll probably be able to see it from State Beach and all along the coast. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/45 "2003-07-31T20:02:42Z")
You are all for putting it in a location out of the way where it won’t be “butt ugly” to you, instead of one of the more effective locations for wind power on all the east coast. Got it. ---
**Author:** ![Grey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/46 "2003-07-31T20:04:05Z")
I would suppose that it would be right in the middle of the proposed wind farm. If you get a chane to check it out I’d appreciate hearing about it. Hey, with any luck you’ll never find it. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Grey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/47 "2003-07-31T20:07:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > \*\*You are all for putting it in a location out of the way where it won’t be “butt ugly” to you, instead of one of the more effective locations for wind power on all the east coast. > > Got it. \*\* Actually what **tdn** has repeatedly said in this thread, and others, is that he objects to the visual damage and potential damage to a region that relies on tourism generated by the generally pristine views. Weighing the benefits of the wind power vs. the damage to the local economy and its traditions is completely valid. My personal view is that the impact would not be as dire as has been made out, but I’ve never been there. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/48 "2003-07-31T20:14:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > **You are all for putting it in a location out of the way where it won’t be “butt ugly” to you, instead of one of the more effective locations for wind power on all the east coast.** Most effective does not necessarily equal most ideal. While it is the location that will produce the most power (or so Cape Wind claims), I have a hard time believing it is the only suitable location. Surely there are some locations nearly as good that are far less objectionable. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/49 "2003-07-31T20:21:01Z")
Yes objectional to you. Some guy down on the coast in Florida is probably saying the exact same thing. NIMBY indeed. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/50 "2003-07-31T20:23:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Grey \* > **Weighing the benefits of the wind power vs. the damage to the local economy and its traditions is completely valid.** Thank you. It’s nice to know there is someone reasonable here. > [@](#): > > \*\*My personal view is that the impact would not be as dire as has been made out, but I’ve never been there. \*\* Let’s hope. Honestly, if there is no real visual, ecological, or financial impact, I’m all for the thing. But I’m skeptical. As well as looking for the pilot tower, I’ll be listening to opinions from people that live there. I’m sure opinions there will run strong. ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/51 "2003-07-31T20:29:51Z")
How much of a dent would these wind turnbines make in MA energy consumption anyway? California has about 13,000 turbines in operation and they produce only a little over 1% of the state’s energy needs. I think it’s something like 3 billion kw/h annually. How does that compare to other sources of energy? And yes, the turbines do make a significant impact on the view. Just look at Altamont pass. ---
**Author:** ![Grey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/52 "2003-07-31T20:31:29Z")
Ecologically, would anyone know the impact of 150 sites for barnacles, seaweed etc. on marine life? Would it be possible that these wind towers would promote the fish industry? Wait. I’m in the Pit. Fuck. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/53 "2003-07-31T20:35:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > And because of assholes like **TDN** , we don’t get to _take advantage of it._ > > Did you have a point? \*\* Not really, other than that you sound absolutely ridiculous bitching about “selfish” New Englanders not wanting a forest of 130 wind turbines in their sound. For anyone who’s interested. Here’s as simulation of what it will look like on the developers web site: [http://www.capewind.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=9&page=1](http://www.capewind.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=9&page=1) It’s actually a lot bigger than I expected. 4 or 5 towers is not much of an eyesore. 130+ is a LOT of wind power. Kinda wished my company had a piece of that project. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/54 "2003-07-31T20:37:37Z")
Somehow I have the feeling if the things were out of view, people couldn’t give a shit if they were spewing radioactive sewage in the water. ---
**Author:** ![Grey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/55 "2003-07-31T20:42:35Z")
Here’s our previous go at this [link](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=196339&highlight=wind+power) The power produced is expected to be > [@](#): > > turbines are planned to provide 75% of the area’s power in a manner fully capable of avoiding carbon My quote folks, so aim the appropriate venom this way if you’re so inclined. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/56 "2003-07-31T20:43:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > \*\*Yes objectional to you. > > Some guy down on the coast in Florida is probably saying the exact same thing. > > NIMBY indeed. \*\* I’ve repeatedly said I’d welcome them in my own back yard, in Boston Harbor. Of course, when I said that, you called me a liar. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/57 "2003-07-31T20:43:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by msmith537 \* > \*\*Not really, other than that you sound absolutely ridiculous bitching about “selfish” New Englanders not wanting a forest of 130 wind turbines in their sound. \*\* SWEET BLUEBERRY PANCAKES OF CHRIST!!! LOOK AT THOSE PICS!!! THEY TAKE UP A WHOLE .00037 DEGREES OF THE HORIZON, MY EYES ARE BURNING, ABANDON CAPE, ABANDON CAPE!!! :rolleyes: Seriously, who can’t suck that up? ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/58 "2003-07-31T20:44:51Z")
whoops ---
**Author:** ![Grey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/59 "2003-07-31T20:45:08Z")
That’s not the question. The question is who _wants_ to suck that up. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2003, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934/60 "2003-07-31T20:46:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by World Eater \* > \*\*Somehow I have the feeling if the things were out of view, people couldn’t give a shit if they were spewing radioactive sewage in the water. \*\* Where do you come up with this shit? Have you considered a career in creative writing? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-complain-about-wind-turbine-plans/191934.md?page=4)