Portsmouth energy fair draws hundreds
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| Jack learns about the atmosphere from David Stookey. |
At least 200 people attended the alternative energy fair at the Portsmouth wind turbine today, according to organizer David Stookey. There were more than a dozen exhibitors, ranging from solar power to fuel-efficient cars to a refrigerator recycling program from National Grid.
Seriously — if you have an old refrigerator in the garage, they'll pick it up for free and give you a $30 rebate. Get the details on their CoolTurnIn site.
It was a beautiful afternoon, and when Jack and I stopped by around 3pm, there were a bunch of families there with their kids, wandering around the high school tennis court and field.
Portsmouth Economic Development Committee chair Rich Talipsky and Sustainable Energy chair Gary Gump were on hand to talk about the wind turbine.
Thanks to all the organizers: Cool Aquidneck Island, Newport's Channing Memorial Church, the RI Council of MoveOn.org, and the RI Chapter of the Sierra Club.
Resources
Cool Aquidneck Island Web site
National Grid's CoolTurnIn site
Comments
craigi
Sun, 07/12/2009 - 2:26pm
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Private wind turbines could be bad for Aquidneck
I attended the fair and it was very nice. I am in 100% support of the offshore wind farms and possibly a few large machines on places with large grounds (Hummocks area, etc.).....
However, I was somewhat disturbed to see that a business in Portsmouth is asking for a small turbine to be installed to help power their factory. The problem is not that one turbine, but the precedent of allowing a private unit on a relatively small property. If one is allowed, then the zoning board will have a difficult time not allowing every such request in the future.
This is bad policy. One large wind turbine can power hundreds of homes, but hundreds of small turbines would be needed to accomplish the same task. Economy of scale is the way to go with wind....other than some small ones on farms and other large properties.
John McDaid
Sun, 07/12/2009 - 5:32pm
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Not sure I understand fully
Hi, craigi...
While I don't disagree that scale is the way to go, I'm not exactly sure about the reason for your concern.
I can understand that there should be minimum lot size and clearances established, but to me, this is a property rights issue. If I had a piece of land big enough — and here in Island Park, pretty much nobody does, so I don't have a dog in this fight — why shouldn't I be allowed to put up a turbine and get the benefit personally?
Cheers.
-j