Friday, December 5, 2008

Foreign Wind Developer asks JCIDA to rush uniform wind PILOTs

BP alternative energy a foreign wind developer has asked for speed from the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency on creating a uniform tax-exempt policy.

BP project manager James H. Madden urged the board to complete the policy in the next three to six months.

Mr. Madden stated BP has decided to scale back on wind energy development around the world and it will continue to focus on the development of approximately 100 US projects they are currently involved in nationwide, with three in New York.

Well why not since our government has sold us out.

The U.S. has created an environment that makes it advantageous for foreign companies to come to our country and reap the rewards of renewable energy tax credits. Because of this BP has backed out of its plans to build wind farms and other renewable projects in Britain, India, China and Turkey

The US government incentives for clean energy projects provide convenient tax shelter for oil and gas revenues, something BP is looking for with an estimated 8$ billion earmarked for the initiative. Lower economies of scale made the UK, Chinese, Indian and Turkish wind sectors far less attractive than the US.

However, Mr. Madden warned the board of significant challenges in building the project in Jefferson County.

Mr.Madden mentions the problem of grid capacity.

This statement is followed by a list of items, a zoning ordinance for wind power development, four or five studies including, noise analysis.

"We've put our studies on hold until at least they complete that process," he said.

"It's the setbacks and other requirements that we'll have to abide by.
You stated that these things have all slowed and or have held up the project and that you have put studies on hold.

What is ominous here is the statement
Mr. Madden warned the board of significant challenges.

That sounds like a threat.

Are you warning the board that the Citizens of Cape Vincent’s desire for proper setbacks may sour the project for Jefferson County?
are you saying that the setbacks in Cape Vincent should be calculated based on

PROFIT AND NOT SAFETY?

Is that what you are saying Mr. Madden?

K.Muschell

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