23 Oct 2014
Flying from Colorado City, Texas.
(The Texan pronunciation of this city is with a hard 'a', sounding like Laredo.)
It poured with rain all day, but luckily the airfield had this empty sheltered area.
Next morning was heavy fog 'til late,
but finally managed to get a flight over the wind farms.
Texas has the largest production of wind power electricity in the country
(just as Texas does everything, eh)
Wind turbines need steady wind,
and this part of Texas has that.
Average wind speeds at Lubbock:
Highest, April 14.7 mph
Lowest, August 10.1 mph
Average for the year 12.7 mph.
Wind turbines need steady wind,
and this part of Texas has that.
Average wind speeds at Lubbock:
Highest, April 14.7 mph
Lowest, August 10.1 mph
Average for the year 12.7 mph.
This is Roscoe Wind Farm.
Nearby is Horse Hollow Wind farm,
which has even more turbines,
but more scattered so harder to photograph.
Cotton, oil, and wind,
signs of Texas prosperity.
signs of Texas prosperity.
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ReplyDeleteYou think machines that are much bigger than oil rigs (and designed to not be removed) are "not so bad?" What is bad, then? These things typical range from 400-500 feet tall and some models exceed 700 feet. To me, whatever looms the most over scenic landscapes is the ugliest, and wind turbines are doing exactly that. The goal is to greatly expand their numbers and they're installed in many nice areas that would never see other energy development (Texas has never cared much for the environment, anyhow). Look into what's happening to Maine's mountains, for example. Your photo of turbines ringing that "crater" are typical of the blight they cause. They also spin distractingly and fill the night with red flashing lights. You can't claim that the oil business is more intrusive, overall. Fossil fuels cause a different kind of pollution and wind power adds to old blight without really replacing anything.
ReplyDeleteGood points, well stated. "...A different kind of pollution..."
DeleteHow many wind turbine on your farm?
ReplyDeleteHow many wind turbine on your farm?
ReplyDelete