Time to confront the anti-wind fear campaign

Media Release, June 9, 2011

OTTAWA - Sierra Club Canada's report The Real Truth About Wind Energy is available again on the Club's website. The report brings together the best science on the alleged health impacts of wind turbines.

A notice of legal action caused it to be temporarily removed after 1700 downloads.

"People want to know the truth. We will not be deterred from speaking out by bullying, intimidation or attacks on our reputation," said John Bennett, Executive Director of Sierra Club Canada.

Sierra Club Canada is just the latest target of anti-wind energy groups who appear to be out to destroy the reputations of those who do not share their views.

"We have been accused of being paid-off by government and industry - which is simply not true," said Bennett. "Even our youth wing has been smeared because it's a partner in the "High School Climate Challenge" (HSCC). The alleged crime? HSCC is a program of Clean Air Champions which receives funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

"The real public health risk is from climate change and air pollution. This week the United Nations reported that in 2010, over 42 million people lost their homes due to natural disasters, including climate change-related storms, floods and drought," said Bennett. "That's 17 million more than the year before."

Sierra Club Canada believes rural Ontarians are being frightened and confused when it comes to wind energy.

Sierra Club Canada remains strongly supportive of wind turbines but notes the importance of locating them away from residences, known migratory bird flyways and other sensitive areas.

John Bennett, Executive Director
Sierra Club Canada
(613) 291-6888
jb@sierraclub.ca

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wind energy

Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Thu, 2011-07-28 11:25.

I find your comments on the fears surrounding wind energy are fair. I think that your caveat of making sure that they are placed far enough away from human population and migratory bird pathways is critical though. Do you feel that government is doing "due diligence" in researching what these limits should be (ie. how close is too close?). My concern is that governments, in an effort to generate some good PR, are racing to develop without critically assessing the possible disadvantages. This could be devastating to our wildlife and to the quality of life of the people in proximity to the wind farms. I would love to see some proof that these concerns are being considered. And then we can gladly move toward cleaner energy solutions!