No matter how you feel about NIMBYism, economic development, energy independence, or tax revenues, you have to be impressed that a number equivalent to 10% of Highland County’s residents turned out for a public hearing on an electricity generating windmill farm project.
A decision on the project is expected next month.
Here’s a question, though: At what point do Virginia localities that consciously deny tax-generating projects lose their credibility in calls for more state funding?
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(comments below)
I guess we can’t count on wind power to get us to energy independence if the NIMBYs go ballistic every time someone tries to build a wind farm. Can’t say I blame them. The darn wind turbines are like giant blenders for birds. Very tough on the wildlife. What does that leave us? Solar power?
Giant blenders for birds??? hahaha…
Jim:
We need 1000 nuclear power plants in Antartica or northern Greenland.
10% of Highland county is what, 200 people? I’ll wager they didn’t come out in favor of the project, but against. Why is against so easy and in favor so hard?
Every option has its costs, and in the end they are all near equal: it is basic fiscal thermodynamics.
Will asks: “At what point do Virginia localities that consciously deny tax-generating projects lose their credibility in calls for more state funding?”
Good question, but one that I suspect Highland is immune to. Except for state mandates, Highland can and has done very little begging.
Also at issue are ‘the commons’ of ridgetops and viewsheds.
Someone should mention that Highland –the least populated county east of the Missisippi– is far less suitable for windpower than the coastal areas. In this case NIMBY applies to more than the proposed county.
In the past their BOS has shown uncommonly good sense, and a great deal of tolerance, on development issues.
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