Douglas limits windpower use

EDITOR:

We recently watched a program about WindSpire "small wind" generators, and decided to investigate them as an option for helping to do more to reduce our carbon footprint and our dependence on the grid. We are well aware that the cap and trade bill currently working it's way through Congress will virtually triple the cost of electricity within the next few years if it passes, and who among us is foolish enough to believe that it won't? With the Democrats in power in Washington and the President pushing this policy with all his might, it is unlikely that good sense will prevail.The President himself admits that these policies will "necessarily cause electricity costs to skyrocket." His words. Not mine. The coming taxation explosion will inevitably result in every American seeing a huge increase in the cost of all their utilities and everything they buy.

The president says he wants everyone to do their part to reduce global warming. We believe the best way to do that is to provide the power for our personal use ourselves through things like solar power and wind generators, producing clean energy with little to no environmental impact.

We were very impressed with the WindSpire (www.mariahpower.com/windspireoverview.aspx) and thought they would be ideal for smaller lots. The company is based in Reno, helping provide jobs for residents of Northern Nevada. The generators are very quiet, 30-50 feet tall (the height can be varied) and have a 4-foot diameter, making them compact enough for even a small lot. We thought this would fit quite nicely in the back corner of the yard. There would be no other houses within 50 feet or more of it, and it is not loud, so it should not bother any of the people on the adjoining lots. Believe me, We did not want some huge, noisy item in our yard any more than the people living around us would.

Imagine how annoying it was to discover that virtually every option for wind-generated power is barred to the average citizen of Douglas County, even units this small and quiet? Even people on large enough lots to utilize wind generators of any kind are extremely limited in the size and number of them that local ordinances allow. We believe Douglas County needs to re-think this issue. Barring people from any alternative energy option other than solar power is a bad policy for this county and for our nation. We need to encourage everyone to utilize every option available to them. This country was founded on self-sufficiency. Taking away any options for becoming more self-sufficient is a big disservice to all of us.

This area and the entire state has enormous potential for alternative energy. Solar and wind are our best options. We need to get the zoning changed to allow people to utilize these as an alternative energy option for our area.

Wanda M. Holmes

Gardnerville Ranchos