Solar Power: Eco-Friendly or Environmental Blight?

Time by Matt Kettman, Carrisa Plains | Mar. 27, 2009 (Special Report)

But it's not just annoyed neighbors and environmental attack dogs who are worried about these solar plants. John McKenzie is a planner for the County of San Luis Obispo, which is processing the applications for the photovoltaic projects. (The solar thermal project goes through the California Energy Commission.) "There are a couple of pretty serious issues that need to be resolved," he says, pointing specifically to the biological resources, water-supply ... Full Story »

Posted by Mike LaBonte

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1.9

by Chris Rocco - Mar. 28, 2009

Since when does NIMBY whining pass for ecological science. Where's is the evidence of environmental blight from these technologies?? Where is the side by side comparisons to the alternatives? This article smells more like a well thought through and well funded by fossil industry hit piece on alternative energy, cloaked and supported by NIMBYs.

NIMBYs need to understand how burning coal causes serious harms to them. Reporters need to interview people with more than "zero" experience. We need to stay sharp and not let big money manipulate our understanding of the facts.

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2.5

by Dwight Rousu - Mar. 28, 2009

The story is mostly kvetching about new panels in the neighborhood, without much investigation of the basis for the complaints or the extent of the discontent. It is enlightening in that it tells of opposition to solar plantations.

Panels on houses and buildings near the point of use burden developed areas rather than wilderness, and reduce demands on the grid. But the environmental effects of the alternatives to solar power would seem to swamp the decision process even for solar plantations.

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3.4

by Mike LaBonte - Mar. 27, 2009

Viewpoints from all sides. Contains a few links to interesting related stories/sources. All sources identified.

Government funding for wind and solar power is less effective because money can't efficiently fight the associated NIMBY battles.

Mike posted this story.

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3.4

by Patricia L'Herrou - Mar. 28, 2009

i recommend this because altho it's limited in scope it illustrates the problems and barriers that are bound to come with the changes to energy sourcing, whether solar or other, across the country. the story shows that much is still unknown, technology for much of it is still first or second generation and few officials have much first-hand knowledge. we are all learning as it happens.

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3.3

by Glenn LaBauve - Mar. 28, 2009

A look at the nimby reaction but little on other proposals/

Edison proposed that all power be poduced locally, Tesla won that argument on economy of scale. Right now up to 20 per cent of all generation is lost in transmission. There are more industrial flat roofs, empty air field space, and military reservations that should be sited before we screw up pristine land. That doesn't even begin to look at all the homes and commercial buildings that could be leased or owner constructed .

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