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Yesterday, the Boston Globe reported that MassDEP is
considering promulgating new regulations to manage noise from
on-shore wind turbines. I sympathize with my friends at MassDEP,
who are trying to implement a clean energy agenda and ensure that
Massachusetts meets the aggressive carbon reduction targets in the
Global Warming Solutions Act. This is no easy
task in a home rule state that would have a fighting chance to win
any national NIMBY championship competition.
I hope against hope that the Department can take some action
that will not unduly obstruct construction of wind projects, but
that will, if not dampen local opposition, at least arm local
decision-makers with a regulatory basis to ignore the crudest of
the NIMBY challenges to wind projects. It's a pretty fine line
that MassDEP is trying to walk.
It may be obvious, but I do feel compelled to note that there ain't no such thing as a free lunch.
Generating power imposes costs. Energy efficiency and solar are all
to the good, but they are not going to supply 100% of our energy
needs. I, for one, have no interest in a pre-industrial economy.
Good luck, Ken Kimmell.
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