[pct-l] Wind farms crossing PCT at Cameron Canyon and Kelso

[Timothy Nye]

>
> Jim,  assuming the global warming theory is correct, it then makes the
> misallocation of resources in favor of turbins and against dams even more
> stark. Please bear in mind that I'm just using hydropower as one example.
> Hydropower is in reality merely a byproduct of a reservoir whose main
> purpose is water storage. With a reduced snow pack we would need greater
> storage.  I guess we'll need to erect more turbins so we can generate more
> 'clean' energy to pump water in from Oregon or across the Great Basin.
> California is already causing large tracts of farmland to lie fallow given
> the absence of water for irrigation when the rains and snowpack fail..
>
> A cynic might suggest that a  major reason dams are disfavored is
> that they represent a major fiscal outlay that would go to a public project
> which minimizes the opportunity to enjoy the political benefits.  A dam
> would not in turn generate 'campaign' contributions for the politicians
> arranging the appropriation such as those that could flow from those
> private entities that benefit from alternative energy projects, public
> employment, etc.
>


>
> Also, of course, a dam system results in public condemnation and payment
> for the land.  It doesn't remain in private hands.  Turbins favor
> constricted areas that funnel the wind through the venturi effect so the
> same passes that hikers and wildlife must traverse across and between the
> ranges are those areas in which they propogate.  Land use policy tools are
> clearly available if there was a political will to use them. Sadly, I doubt
> that that will ever be the case.
>
>
>