Benefits of Wind Power

To the editor:
Wind turbines (WWF May 2007) are especially appropriate for most islands -- both because of the consistent wind presence and because of the cost of delivering electricity to islands, either by undersea cable or on-island generator.

No doubt wind turbines will in the future be as common and picturesque a sight as lighthouses are today. And who in their right mind would have approved an environmental assessment for the first lighthouse with its beacon disturbing the tranquility of the night skies?

Atlantic City now has a magnificent wind farm with about half a dozen wind vanes, which I think has been a great addition to the skyline of high-rise casino hotels. Scranton, Pennsylvania, also is big wind territory.

I know that people have a hard time accepting the visual intrusion of a wind turbine, but I think they are far superior to coal burning generators (or oil or natural gas burners). I'd say a pair of wind turbines on the north end and the south end of Islesboro would be a great addition. On Monhegan they'd have to think about how to get enough turbines up to meet their needs while creating an effect consistent with the topography.

To those islanders worried about the impact on the beautiful scenery, I say think about what impact those industrialists had that created the wealth that allows one to live on an island in Maine to enjoy the scenery.

Charles Carmalt
Lawrenceville, New Jersey