Jeffrey Clark, President and CEO
Once again, the President has shared misinformed comments about #windenergy — this time from #Scotland — claiming that “#windmills” are killing all the birds and ruining the landscape.
Let’s set the record straight.
First, they’re not “windmills.” These are wind turbines — modern, clean energy technology that generates affordable, reliable electricity without polluting the air or water. And the facts are clear: wind energy is one of the lowest-cost sources of electricity available today, saving American consumers billions on their utility bills every year.
As for the #environment? #WindPower protects it. Wind turbines don’t emit carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or other harmful pollutants, protecting the health of both wildlife and humans.
The idea that turbines are “killing all the birds” is a tired and wildly exaggerated talking point. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, far more birds are killed by buildings, vehicles, power lines, open oil pits, and even cats than by wind turbines. And #renewables developers work with #wildlife experts to site turbines in ways that minimize impacts on bird populations.
In the United States, wind projects are typically built on private land owned by #farmers and #ranchers — the backbone of #rural America — who receive steady income from hosting turbines. This diversification is a great financial hedge, protecting them from unpredictable weather and volatile commodity prices and making their agricultural enterprises more financially secure.
These projects also deliver substantial new tax revenue to local governments and school districts, providing funding for roads, emergency services, and public education. In many communities, wind energy projects are now one of the largest contributors to local tax bases. (See TXRenewables.net for data.)
Rather than repeating tired misinformation, we should be celebrating the fact that wind energy strengthens our economy, empowers rural communities, and protects the planet for future generations. If the President doesn’t want wind turbines on his golf course, that’s his choice — but he doesn’t get to ignore the facts or deny the benefits that wind energy brings to millions of Americans and people around the world.
We’ve extended an offer that still stands. It would be a great pleasure to host any of our elected officials at some of the world class wind and solar projects being built in our regions. These should be a source of pride for the great good they are doing for consumers, communities, and the environment.