Fairer/More Local Policy on Wind Turbines

Windmills of the 21st century or hell on Earth? Photo by Lizzie

Something that enrages the life out of me is this entire debate on whether we should have Wind Turbines or not. The growing consensus appears to be "not in my backyard" from a small but very vocal minority, with arguments of destroying countryside, noise (which surprises me, as I have stood underneath the ones in Mablethorpe and not heard a thing) and (occasionally) that man-made climate change is a lie. More frustrating is the lack of a proper political opposition to the "tough" stance on wind farms by Lincolnshire County Council.

I believe there is a very simple answer to all of this.  Once a suitable site has been found, hold a  referendum on whether it should be built or not. If there is a wide opposition from residents in the area, then they should be granted their request providing ALL residents reduce their energy expenditure in the space of 2 years, let's say by 20%. All residents should be able to receive free monitoring equipment to measure their energy usage.

More power stations are required because of the closure of old ones, and because our energy needs are increasing all the time. To me the argument on climate change is a moot point, compared to the very real threat posed by the dwindling of the world's fuel supplies, which will lead to ever rising costs for us all. If we are to take the views of residents opposed to wind farms seriously, then on behalf of the country they should be expected to play their part in reducing their use of energy.

EDIT: You can make your views known to Lincolnshire County Council by completing their questionnaire. You may be able to better express your views by calling their customer service centre on 01522 782226 or e-mailing them. You could also try tweeting them.

Please also sign this petition for renewable energy development in Lincolnshire on Avaaz.