Talking Points

Below are talking points for you to include in your letters and editorials.  Examples that can be cited can be found on the Studies and Resources page.  Consider giving examples that relate directly to this project and to your town, local businesses, neighbors and family.  Letters that address one or two issues at a time are most helpful.

Environmental:

• Industrial wind turbines cause noise pollution, shadow flicker effect, red flashing lights at night
• Construction will have negative effects on traffic, local roads/infrastructure
• Small amount of energy generated; use of energy when winds aren’t at exact/optimum speeds
• Industrial wind turbines cause electromagnetic interference with cell phones, television, radar
• Project is located in a Great Lakes coastal region on Lake Ontario and is counter to Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan by the Towns of Yates, Carlton and Kendall that was approved by NY State.
• Dangers include ice throws, fires, danger of ground water contamination due to lubricant spills,  lightning strikes, stray voltage.
• Project will have a negative impact on agriculture because bats, that provide millions of dollars worth of natural pesticide in our region annually, are killed in alarming numbers by industrial wind turbines.

Wildlife & Birding

• Birding in the Towns of Yates and Somerset (pdf)
• Wildlife is displaced due to roads, turbine construction, removal of trees.
• Low sound frequency and infrasound has negative effects on livestock and wildlife
• Turbine blades kill and injure birds, raptors, bats and waterfowl.
• Lake Ontario Shoreline is a major migratory flyway of North America.  In the spring and fall large numbers of birds, raptors and bats migrate and use the near shore habitats as staging ground.
• Nesting eagles are in the region of the turbines.
• The turbine project area is home to numerous endangered species including: Golden Eagle, Short-eared owl.
• Turbines are lit at night and this negatively affects wildlife in a formerly dark skies region.

Human Health

• Negative human health effects are caused by low frequency noise, infrasound, shadow flicker effect, red flashing lights at night
• People around the world who live near turbines report health conditions including: sleep disorders, headaches, concentration difficulties, tinnitus, nausea, impaired heart rate, and anxiety
• Studies showing negative health effects of living near industrial wind turbines are increasing.
• Wind turbine size has increased and the sounds they emit have also increased.

Property Values

• Lower property values: common sense and many studies (by independent scientists and professional appraisers) refute the study touted by wind companies. Reports of  people unable to sell their property and even some deserting their homes
• Lake properties will be especially effected. This will affect how the taxes are distributed in the towns.

Tourism/Character of Region:

• Proposed along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, home to Niagara Wine Trail and the New York Seaway Trail (which is a National Scenic Byway)
• Negative effects on tourism, recreation and local businesses as people avoid industrial zone.
• Tearing communities apart (one only has to talk to impacted communities and watch documentary Windfall)
• Counter to Local Waterfront Revitalization Program adopted and approved by NYS in accordance with provisions of the Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Waterways Act (Executive Law, Article 42) and its implementing regulations (6NYCRR 601)
• Not economically feasible without tax incentives to company

Proposed industrial wind turbines are so tall (570 feet, almost twice the size of the Statue of Liberty, taller than any buildings in Western New York) they will change the rural/quiet/beautiful character of region.