According to news reports, New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg wants to build a wind farm to meet 10 percent of New York City’s energy needs. In addition to the fact that the assumption that he could meet that goal may be more foolish than Don Quixote’s battle, the impact of Bloomberg’s quest could prove devastating for migratory birds. Windmills can basically make minced meat out of birds that migrate along the same coastal, windy routes that are suitable for wind farms.
Energy expert Robert Bradley Jr. notes that the country’s largest wind farm in Contra Costa California, called Altamont Pass, kills hundreds of birds every year. He notes: “On a percentage basis, the mortality rate per year at Altamont Pass under the estimate is eight times greater than the bald eagle kill from the Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound in 1989, and it recurs every year.” The Center for Biological Diversity explains that the wind farm is particularly problematic because is located in a migratory route. They estimate that the wind turbines kill about 880 to 1,300 birds of prey each year, which includes 116 golden eagles, 300 red-tailed hawks, 380 burrowing owls, we well as hundreds kestrels, falcons, vultures, and owls. While wind farms in other locations might not pose as large-scale problems, explanation of this energy source would surely have drawbacks for avian wildlife. Bradley, for example reports similar problems with avian mortality in Europe.
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I don’t care about migratory birds. What bothers me is that Bloomberg actually thinks wind power is a good idea…a better idea than the power grid that currently supplies NYC.
NYC has the most efficient electrical transmission system in the US, and now you’re going to introduce wind power. For what? To appease the greens???
Frikin idiot.
It is unbelievable it is at this point.
I care about migrating birds, for all wild life. There is absolutely no reason for this.
They claim no drilling due to wildlife. This mindbogglingly. Where are the animal activists and all those concerned about our wildlife now?
The facts have proved that drilling in ANWR would not negatively impact wildlife. It is safe to drill. I wish people had the facts on drilling and not just accept this propaganda campaign.
Looking forward to……..Bloomberg’s term as mayor ends on December 31, 2009.
Birds??? is that the biggest complaint about this foolishness? Our whole society depends everyday on random killing of certain animals. Farms and housing and destroy habitat everywhere. Get over it.
What about cost? Noise? Safety (remember the Pan Am bldg crash?) Structural issues?
There are dozens of reasons for not putting windmills in the city, and “Wild Birds” is not one of them.
When politicians and journalists drive technical decisions they seldom get it right. Ethanol increases CO2 emissions and drives up food costs. Besides, soil for growing bio-crops is not renewable. Where will the electric power come if autos are converted to battery power like GM’s Volt. Anyone who thinks hydrogen powered fuel cells are a solution better start promoting nuclear power to generate the hydrogen. The second law of thermodynamics means that more energy will be used to create hydrogen than can be recovered. Al Gore’s plan to eliminate fossil fuels in 10 years is ludicrous. So is Al Gore. T. Boon Pickens is out to pick our pockets so he can get richer