IBEW Turbine Points to the Future on North Shore of Masachusetts (Cape Ann)

NOTE: Even those outside the ranks of the IBEW recognize the leadership of the IBEW in Energy Issues. MW
Swampscott Reporter > Opinion & Letters

Letter: The answer is blowing in the wind Thursday, August 18, 2005 To the editor: Last Thursday, on a hot, muggy evening, more than 60 North Shore citizens crowded into a stuffy room for a symposium at the Church of the Holy Name in Swampscott to learn more about how we can generate clean, renewable energy in the form of wind power here on the North Shore. The symposium, sponsored by HealthLink, featured panelists from several projects that are in the works right now, including Marblehead Municipal Light, Ipswich Utilities, Lynn Regional Wastewater Treatment and Varian Semiconductor in Gloucester. Last week, there were several smog alerts issued by the Mass DEP and EPA, urging all people, especially children, to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon and early evening hours, when ozone levels are highest. Living under such conditions, the possibilities for generating clean energy are not only exciting but also critical for our health. And generating wind energy is also economically viable, with payback periods of less than five years. Think about it. Harnessing the wind for power is a win-win situation all the way around. It's clean and does not pollute. It's renewable. It's economically viable, and it's beautiful. Modern turbines with their slow-moving blades are beautiful kinetic sculptures. Anyone who doesn't believe this should check out the IBEW turbine, visible from the Southeast Expressway, or visit the turbine in Hull. In fact, the town of Hull has had so much success with their turbine that they are planning to install five more! In a few short years, they plan to be energy self-sufficient - generating 100 percent of the power that community needs from wind. Communities on the North Shore can move in this direction, too. Please join HealthLink in our efforts to bring wind power to our area. Stop by our office to view a video of this most interesting symposium. Or you can call or e-mail for more information: 781-598-1115, healthlink@healthlink.com. Ask about our wind-power presentation, available for groups. We can also show you maps of possible locations for turbines in Swampscott. We look forward to hearing from you! Martha Dansdill HealthLink executive director Pine Hill Road