Selling The Wind By Michelle Nijhuis Summary

891 Words2 Pages

With concern over global warming growing, people are starting to turn a more serious eye toward cleaner sources of energy. Instead of solar power making a comeback as the ideal form, we are seeing a growth in the use of wind power. Wind farms are beginning to crop up all around the country. This new trend has gathered significant attention. Questions are being raised concerning the effects wind farms may have, from critics and supporters alike. Michelle Nijhuis, in the article “Selling the Wind” discusses the arguments on behalf of and in opposition to the increasing use of wind power, addressing what the consequences may be on the United States. Nijhuis presents a series of detailed explanations that argue in favor of and against the development …show more content…

These include the history of windmills and their role concerning the survival in the immense plains that range from east of the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River. The rise of the economic condition of those living around the wind farms along with the surge of investments from energy companies. Finally, the promising data relating to the amount of energy produced, and the consequences they will have on the environment. In the later and longer part of the article, the possible negative results or wind farms are brought up. Primarily, the points against wind farms have to do with the conservation of wildlife. This is separated into two sections, the first addresses the dangers wind turbines present to birds, the other on the dangers presented to bats. When it comes to evidence this article is rich …show more content…

These pieces of evidence are supported by studies and quotes from experts. The wind farm at Altamont Pass, known as the Altamont Wind Resource Area, has had an installation of newer and more efficient turbines, these turbines, however, pose a great risk to birds of prey (369). Biologists, soon after the installation of the first turbines “reported large numbers of golden eagles, hawks and other raptors flying into the spinning blades” (Nijhuis 369). Steps were taken to solve this but according to another study, this one by the California Energy Commission places the number of birds killed well over a thousand (Nijhuis 370). Tim Cullinan speaks of the turbines in the plains, noting that the death of birds in that region is significantly lower than that of Altamont, he furthermore comments that “we can’t lose sight of the larger benefits of wind” suggesting that notwithstanding the concern over wildlife, wind power is vital and should continue (Nijhuis 371). Other conservationists seem to agree, with groups suggesting guidelines and policies, in particular, Audubon Washington proposes several seasons of observation for the areas a wind farm might be built, studies of wildlife in that area and planning for wind facilities on both a state and multi-state level (Nijhuis 371). As a general agreement, conservationists desire to help with the growth of wind farms, believing that to help

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