Salazar: Review moves wind energy project forward

Posted to: Environment News Virginia
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The Associated Press
© February 2, 2012

By Alex Dominguez

BALTIMORE

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says a recently completed review is a major step toward developing wind energy off the coasts of Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and New Jersey.

Salazar spoke in Baltimore today. He said that an environmental impact assessment found no significant problems with issuing wind power leases in areas off the mid-Atlantic coast.

The Mid-Atlantic lease proposal follows the Cape Wind project in Massachusetts that was given the go-ahead in 2010 after years of federal review. That project is still in development.

Salazar also called for public comment on potential wind projects.

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Salazar

Submitted by pepe82 on Thu, 02/02/2012 at 7:28 pm.

Yesterday Salazar said the hold up for oil and gas is the military. Now today its okay to put up far more wind turbines its crazy. Get ready to see the ugliest things ever and get ready to pay atleast 35 percent more on your bill.

Doing what into the wind?

Submitted by suffolksplit on Thu, 02/02/2012 at 7:33 am.

Off shore wind is the 2nd most expensive method of mass production of electrical power. It is 2.5 times more expensive than on shore wind and 4 times more expensive than natural gas. Thermal solar is the only thing worse. Why does this keep coming up?

Expensive

Submitted by RicM25798 on Thu, 02/02/2012 at 1:42 pm.

It's expensive because it's still in its infancy. While it may cost a bit more monetarily, it's invaluable as it doesn't rely on coal or other fossil fuel.

no wind power for you

Submitted by beach23451 on Thu, 02/02/2012 at 6:52 am.

Hey...It is illegal for me to put up a wind generator on my property in Va Beach..Whats up with that?

Why is it illegal?

Submitted by APZ1_BRACaholic on Thu, 02/02/2012 at 9:08 am.

Do you live in an area (perhaps close to Oceana) where there are height restrictions in effect? Is it illegal, or are there community (read neighborhood) covenants and/or restrictions, which are NOT laws but are still legally binding, that prevent installing a windmill?

I know that many homeowner groups prevent ALL SORTS of external modifications, including antennas, paint color, and much more. Is your inability to put up a windmill because of one of those restrictions THAT YOU SIGNED when you bought your home?

Just asking...

city rules

Submitted by beach23451 on Thu, 02/02/2012 at 9:26 am.

It is city rules that prevent this...interesting is it not? also you can not be unconnected to the power grid in va beach...

Please provide references or a link

Submitted by APZ1_BRACaholic on Thu, 02/02/2012 at 10:41 am.

I would like to see for myself what that "city rule" actually says. Does it say that one cannot have their own wind generating capability anywhere in the city, or in specific areas?

As far as taking yourself off the grid, you can do it yourself by opening your main breaker.

Regardless, it would be unwise to disconnect completely. Even with a MASSIVE storage capability for excess generated power, it's doubtful a homeowner would possess sufficient storage to carry through any extended period of low wind (or clouds for solar). Besides, excess capability can be sold back to VEPCO. They HAVE to buy it. Your meter runs backwards if you are pumping power TO the grid.