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Pulling the plug on wind farm near Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge was the right move
Credit: The Kansas City Star | 09/25/2014 | www.kansascity.com ~~
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A developer has appropriately dropped its controversial plan to build a large wind-power project near the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge.
Wind is a desirable renewable resource, which can help wean the region and the nation from fossil fuels that create harmful pollution.
However, the proposed wind farm’s large turbine blades would have threatened the lives of migrating snow geese, trumpeter swans, pelicans and other flying species, trumping the need to construct it there. The project also could have disrupted migratory patterns.
Now, the 7,400-acre refuge’s wetlands, 100 miles north of Kansas City, will continue to offer people a unique place to enjoy nature.
The project would have boosted wind energy production and brought some crucial economic development to Holt County and northwest Missouri. Still, the fears of bird lovers and environmentalists were well-founded. As they accurately note, the wind blows very hard elsewhere in this region. Developers can find locations other than near Squaw Creek to construct more wind farms.
We also repeat our recommendation for Missouri to create a siting board that would review and permit placements of future wind-power projects.
They are vital investments in the state’s energy-producing future. This project was just in the wrong location.
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