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Texas Gas Prices
Texans Join Forces To Fight Wind Turbines Save Email Print
45 comments
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(August 16, 2008)--A couple that bought 350 acres in rural Erath County to raise horses and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets have a different view that what they imagined.

Johnny and Tesa Whitley now look out over two-dozen towering wind turbines.

The 400-foot-tall turbines tower over trees atop ridges, some just a mile away.

Some residents in several nearby towns, about 100 miles southwest of Dallas, are fighting to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to them.

A spokesman told The Associated Press that FPL Energy has not decided whether to proceed with the project in Morgan Mill and Huckabay.

Steve Stengel says officials are still studying the area's wind and transmission lines and talking to landowners.

Stengel declined to discuss the company's lease terms and said people are required to sign confidentiality agreements because information in the contracts is proprietary.

The Public Utility Commission has given preliminary approval to a plan plan to build transmission lines to carry wind-generated electricity from West Texas.

Billionaire Dallas oilman T. Boone Pickens recently unveiled a project to erect wind turbines across the Midwest.

American Wind Energy Association

Cross Timbers Landowners Conservancy

Save Our Scenic Hill Country Environment
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Posted by: DL Location: GATESVILLE on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I am trying to find out to get these wind turbines in our area. We are trying to make a living with drought one year floods the next, prices of everything going up. The city folks that are whining about the view while claiming to be "green and conserve energy" when they are in the city with friends.I have seen them in mass in west tx. It actually is an awesome site. I've seen pictures and it kind of looks like art. If it will help our economy, make it a financially good deal for the land owners to make it worth our while I say bring them on.
Posted by: The Patriot Location: Texas on Aug 19, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Reality Check, wow, you're getting way off here lately. A residental 30 ft wind power turbine will run you about $40,000 for full installation and that's without the diesel generator to power it when there is no wind. How is that charging the power company??? These ranchers are "leasing" the land for the industrial 400 ft. turbines to the energy companies and you have to have ALOT of windy land for the energy companies to even consider it profitable to lease and erect them. It's always ok until it's in your backyard. Just look at Salado, the whole town is fighting Oncor for just powers lines going through the town. Yes, we need alternative energy sources. But, if you read T. Boone Pickens whole plan, he does want to turn our agricultural heartland into wind farms because he says it's there's more wind there than any other place in the U.S. Can we survive without wheat and corn crops that feed America? I still say...put them in the gulf and offshore, it's always windy there....
Posted by: power Location: tothe people on Aug 19, 2008 at 01:54 PM
http://www.healthlink.org/windproscons37.html
Posted by: Reality Check Location: Whack em Waco on Aug 19, 2008 at 01:03 PM
It seems that almost everyone has missed the point of those people's complaint. They aren't complaining about "green" energy. They just don't like the view. I didn't realize that when you buy property that you have the right to complain about your view... I always thought that when you buy property you have the right to do whatever you want on it, except build a meth lab) because it's YOUR PROPERTY!!! I can't wait until they make solar and wind power more affordable to homeowners. I can't wait until I can charge the power company for power that I sell them. Maybe I can charge whatever I want, since they seem to raise my rates whenever they want too.... Interesting.
Posted by: Iris Location: Riesel on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:54 AM
You people are never satified. You fight the coal powered plants because they burn to dirty then you fight the wind because it hurts the view. Personally I wish someone would want to put a turbine on my property.Atleasst the wind is free so maybe the cost of energy would go down we have to do something to help our planet keep going for our grandchildren.
Posted by: Jaki Location: Waco on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Wind Turbines...Hmm...Being an Art Major, I really think that they are NOT as ugly as all that, no more ugly than Dams on our rivers or telephone poles, or those wooded areas decimated by power towers, or as ugly as our present highway systems (some of which are awesome) We build a 1000 walmarts in our fields and I don't think they are as nice as the fields of bluebonnets they replace, geeze give me a break...Want some more ugly nuke towers instead? Or we could all go back to plowing fields and killing whales for oil...hmmm?
Posted by: Anna Location: Centex on Aug 18, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Know your facts, I didnt see cancer or death listed in your medical maladies.
Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Aug 18, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Richard: Typical blame everyone Dem response. FYI, and if you spent anytime doing research instead of listening to idiots you would know, Pres. Bush has been telling anyone who will listen that we need to 1. Drill and explore here. 2. Research and come up with alternative energy sources. 3. Conserve what we have now. He has been pushing this since right after he was elected but the Dems have blocked ANY movement on any type of drilling. Their only mantra is renewable energy. Period. Well, the world runs on oil right now. Maybe in 100 years we'll have something else but right now it is oil. If you are looking for someone to blame for this mess try pointing the finger at the Dems. The windmills are a good start. They are not cheap, but they use no fuel other than wind and it is pretty cheap. They are useless on calm days so you need to put them where the wind is. And if I had any land that was capable of putting some on I'd be calling them and letting them have at it.
Posted by: BEtty Location: Moody on Aug 18, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Wind Turbines and solar power are a natural source of energy! People need to take natural sources of energy seriously. Fifty years from now when my grandchildren are grown and responsible persons, I hope these two areas are the major source for electricity and water power. Wind turbines also look good and don't smell. It is cost free energy and a natural source of energy and also saves money. Get a grip people and try reading about solar energy! It is the wave of the future for sure.
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood. on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Wow, way to go Richard! Bringing GW into this conversation. While I agree with using wind turbines, Solar power, Water power and tidal power and would lvoe to get rid of as many vehicles as possible, I am so sick and tired of people blaming Bush for every dang thing wrong in the world from 9-11 to Global Warming. Grow up, give up. I officially declare myself no longer a Democrat. I just cant stand all the whining and finger pointing. And to all who are trying to have a conversation about wind turbines, I apologize, I just cant take it anymore and had to vent.
Posted by: Rick Location: CenTex on Aug 18, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I think anyone considering putting a wind turbine on their land should do all the research of the pros and cons on them. They do generate (because of their size) a constant low-frequency noise and vibration that does cause inner ear problems and does result in all the health problems that is on the post of Know your Facts. Research shows this isn't just about scenery. No matter how clean they are, if you can't sleep at night, have migraines lose your equilibrium or cause your neighbors these problems, what good are they? Of course the energy companies deny these claims just as they deny their coal plants pollute the air. If you put one up and your neighbors start experiencing these health issues they never had before, you could be up for a lawsuit. Research...Research ...Research!!
Posted by: Angie Location: Moody on Aug 18, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Even if it doesn't change the price of electricity, the wind turbines help us be a cleaner country. They don't have clouds of smog coming out of them to polute the air. I would prefer to look at them then a big ugly coal factory or even a nuclear reactor. As a matter of fact, I am considering putting one on my land.
Posted by: Richard Location: Waco on Aug 18, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Wind Turbines are a great alternative to fossile fuels. Farmers and ranchers have used them for decades for their water. I don't think they would complain if it were oil derricks going up in their back 40!!! We need to do something to end our dependancy on foreign oil. George Bush (in bed with the Saudi's, they are the ones responsible for 911 not the Iraqi's) has seen to it that thousands of our best and brightest young men and women have died or been physically damaged because of our chains to foreign oil. It is time to change the way we do business...
Posted by: Rosy Nosy Location: Evant on Aug 17, 2008 at 02:21 PM
If you've seen these wind chargers, you've seen cattle grazing as well, the sun rises and sets above as beatifully as before and for once the ranchers that have been the backbone of this country are making a profit and doing something to help the environment and the people of this country. It's a self-centered and spoiled (or ignorant) person that would complain about the best alternative energy source that has surfaced in years. Change is never easy but necessary or we would have none of the everyday items we take for granted.
Posted by: Here Location: There on Aug 17, 2008 at 10:00 AM
The Hoover Dam powers all of Las Vegas by water. Do you think the average homeowner there has a lower electric bill than you? It cost just as much to transfer wind into electricity as it does any other natural resource we have here and takes up more land than any of the others.
Posted by: unknown Location: Killeen on Aug 17, 2008 at 09:46 AM
GOD put everything on earth, NATURALLY, so mankind could live long healthy lives. Mankind poisoned everyone with fossel fuels. If you don't like the looks of turbins and solar panels, maybe you'll like the look of HELL there are no turbins or solar panels there!
Posted by: Know your Location: Facts on Aug 17, 2008 at 08:57 AM
In contrast to those who consider wind turbines clean, green and an ideal source of renewable energy, living or working too close to them has a medical downside. Johns Hopkins and Princeton Universities have found that low-frequency noise and vibration generated by wind turbines has an effect on the inner ear, triggering headaches; difficulty sleeping; ringing in the ears; learning and mood disorders; panic attacks; irritability; disruption of equilibrium, concentration and memory; and childhood behavior problems. These health concerns are also being studied in other countries where wind turbines are being erected. It is suggested you live no closer than 3 miles to any turbine and 8 out of 10 families who lived closer had to move due to such medical problems. The constant whoosh,whoosh,whoosh from the 148 ft. blades sitting on 410 ft. tower is NOT your average farmhouse windmill. These wind farms are "No Mans Land". The only thing Billionaire (oilman) T. Boone Pickens sees is $$$.
Posted by: Aly Location: Waco Area on Aug 17, 2008 at 06:01 AM
TO: PUT ONE -- I do not think wind turbines are ugly! and I lived in Midland for several years! Oil Country. Now as you drive west, the Wind turbines are right there beside the pump jacks. WE NEED A RENEWABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY ENERGY SOURCE! Drive around Waco's countryside. Those big transmillion lines are not exactly a work of art. But I think everyone would be happier with them if they new the origin wasn't poluting the air and water.
Posted by: uknow Location: here on Aug 16, 2008 at 11:39 PM
So SCOTT .... GUESS YOU GROW THAT MEDICAL MARY JANE IN YOUR BACKYARD HUH? BETTER PROFIT MARGIN TO OFFSET YOUR ELCT/GAS/GASOLINE BILL. YOU ARE PART OF THE PROB BROTHER - GET OFF THE PIPE!
Posted by: UKNOW Location: HERE on Aug 16, 2008 at 11:36 PM
DANG IT PEOPLE - DON'T YOU KNOW WE WANT LARGE ERECTOR ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMERS. IT IS WHAT WE ARE USED TO. WE ARE SCARED OF THE MIGHTY WIND TOWERS - THEY ARE EVIL .... PLEASE FOLKS - TIME TO GET OFF THE SAND TEATS OIL AND GET TO THE FUTURE. I GUESS THEY ARE NOISY TOO - MAYBE YOU WOULD LIKE A REACTOR ..... OH SORRY THAT CLOSED DOWN .... RIGHT.
Posted by: Supergirl Location: Robinson on Aug 16, 2008 at 10:58 PM
I would much rather look out my window and see a bunch of wind turbines than keep paying $300 a month for electricity in my little 1500 sq ft house!!! I think they are beautiful.
Posted by: Angela Location: Belton on Aug 16, 2008 at 10:48 PM
There WILL be a food crisis in 50 years, we ALREADY have an energy crisis, and if YOU are willing to live without a refrigerator or an Air Conditioner or water heater please move to a third world country and stop trying control everyone here in the USA! How do you think your water is PUMPED to your house? ELECTRICITY! I would give up my lovely view to make sure 10 hospitals didn't lose power.
Posted by: Sherry Location: Gatesville on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:58 PM
If I didn't like the scenery or neighbors or whatever around my house, it is my choice to move or stay.
Posted by: ginny Location: cove on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:49 PM
hello people grow up. we need clean renewable energy!! you must have stock in oil or coal. give me a big bad break with your whining about your view. lucky you are rich and not living in a slum.
Posted by: Put one Location: in your yard on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Yes, let's not drill in a very tiny part of Alaska that has enough oil and natural gas for the U.S. to last at least another 30 yrs. Yes, let's deface our Great State and turn the midwest from agricultural farms to wind farms. Let's starve as we look at the beauty of the rows and rows turbines as their beauty can be seen from 30 miles away. Has anyone posting ever seen these things? I have and it's ugly.
Posted by: T. Pilant Location: Riesel on Aug 16, 2008 at 08:47 PM
The comments made in this article are evidence of short sightedness and narrow thinking. I live 2.5 miles from the construction of the Sandy Creek Power Plant. This plant will be a fully operational coal fired plant with a few years. On a daily basis the residents around the construction are subjected to noise and air pollution. When the plant is completed and in full operation it will add to the overall pollution of the state. If you are going to complain about wind turbines just come and live in my back yard for just one day. Your worries are not about the the mercury and other deadly chemicals that will be falling on your beautiful scenery, polluting the water supply and effecting your health. You are joining to fight an energy source that does not eventual kill. Where is your argument!
Posted by: hands that help are Location: far better than lips that pray on Aug 16, 2008 at 04:43 PM
We cant even take care of the children that are here as evidenced by the headlines of the last few days! If anti's really cared about children, they would be working to eliminate the things that lead to abortion! Then again that would take actual work! Millions of children are living in poverty. Millions of children will head back to school ill equipped for the year ahead of them(old worn clothes, no supplies, etc). Many children dont have both parents in their lives! Millions of children dont have access to health care. Millions of children are verbally, mentally , physically & sexually abused everyday & many are sold into sexual slavery by their "loving" parents! Many children live in fear because of the violence in their neighborhoods! Dont worry there are more & more of us willing to help the children that are here! Someday the rest of you will join us that really care in the real world until then keep on praying i.e. doing nothing! God has a place just for you dress lightly.
Posted by: Steve Location: northeast of Waco on Aug 16, 2008 at 02:41 PM
It's amazing the emotional pain some people go through when they discover that everybody else is just as important as they are.
Posted by: Aly Location: Waco Area on Aug 16, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Oh for goodness sake!! The wind turbines are cleaner, cheaper and enviromentally friendly. Perhaps they would prefer to see a coal-fired electric plant from their windows? Wacoans and surrounding area towns don't have far to look for just that! And the trucks carrying the coal... come by my house daily.... ignoring speed limits, blasting their jake brakes and generally terrifying small children and dogs. Give me a landscape of wind turbines anytime!!!
Posted by: Scott Location: Gatesville on Aug 16, 2008 at 01:08 PM
We're tired of the rising energy costs! We need renewable energy! But, not in my backyard . . . .
Posted by: Rachel Location: Waco on Aug 16, 2008 at 11:59 AM
With the energy crisi and prices like they are you'd think people would put the public good above their 'scenery' and some people think there is beauty in science. Turbines themselves can be beautiful
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 16, 2008 at 11:26 AM
The turbines are at least a mile away. Is this not a step foreward for more supply of alternative energy? I think this is much better than coal mines and power plants that dig huge holes in our earth and emit toxins in our air. Maybe these folks would rather a power plant and coal mine next door.
Posted by: Sandra Location: central Texas on Aug 16, 2008 at 11:17 AM
The turbines are a thing of beauty to me. I, too,love the beautiful west Texas sunsets. Turbines change the view, but it isn't ugly. The land owners opposing the turbines must not mind being dependent on fossil fuels. Perhaps they are invested in petroleum.
Posted by: JT Location: Central Tx on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Wind power is one of the nicest alternatives we have, and it's sad that some can't see the beauty of natures abundant power. Anybody that opposes Clean Energy is just ignorant, or too rich to care.
Posted by: floyd Location: gatesville on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:22 AM
I have no sympathy for rich city folk that buy "country estates" horse farms as they call them That in reality are to small for what they are doing. griping about ranchers leasing land for the turbines so that they can make a living. Anyone that has made a living off the land knows you do not get rich from raising stock or crops. A person without money cannot buy land and try to even make the payments off of the profits muchless make a living. Why????? Rich city folks buying weekend houses and driving up land prices
Posted by: Heather Havard Location: Brazos Valley Texas on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:09 AM
I am not sure how the current energy crisis is ever going to be handled without someone being upset. People we need to get this resolved and PDQ. Would these people like to have the blinding lights of an oil rig running near them, the constant truck travel that goes along with that? I am sure not. I bet those same people at some time have also complained about the rising evergy costs. You can not have your cake and eat it too. There will always be folks that are not too keen on the resolutions that have been arrived at, but we must do what is best for everyone. I do not see how this differs from chicken farms that move in close to other people. I wish that the people that are griping about seeing fans off in the distance could get a whiff of a chicken farm after a gentle summer rain. As unpleasant as some things are they are necessary for our well being. Get over it!
Posted by: trish Location: waco on Aug 16, 2008 at 08:19 AM
wind turbines will help all with the high cost of Energy bills. heck i want one on my little acre of land.
Posted by: Anna Location: Centex on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:09 AM
What residents? What are their complaints? Didn't they know that there would be turbines or did they just pop up out of nowhere? This story is incomplete.
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