| Wind
Power Development
Although Audubon of Kansas
generally supports the development of alternative energy sources, we have
taken to court the issues involving the potential development of industrial
wind power complexes within the Tallgrass Prairie of Kansas. We hope this
page will help you understand our position in this complex issue.
AOK's Position Statement
Edited from our October 2002 newsletter
Audubon of Kansas favors the development of wind energy in appropriate
areas where the natural and cultural integrity of the landscape and other
important resources will not be substantially diminished. But, in terms
of threatened biomes, the Tallgrass Prairie is the North American continent
equivalent of the once vast tropical rain forests which have been devastated
in places such as Madagascar and Brazil.
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AOK has been a leading advocate for the conservation
of the Flint Hills and the responsible siting of wind development We have
been a constant voice from the beginning and stand firm on our commitment.
Read an except from a past newsletter to learn more about our work.
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Audubon of Kansas Joins Lawsuits to protect
the Flint Hills
(Additional Information).
"Last Stand of the Tallgrass Prairie"
PBS Video
This Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) video is a scientific and historical
overview of the natural workings of the Tallgrass Prairie, North America's
most endangered ecosystem and the source of the soil that creates America's
breadbasket. The surprising heroes for this important and imperiled ecosystem
are modern-day ranchers following the lead of the Plains Indians who used
fire and grazing animals to maintain the prairie's ecological balance.
Go to shoppbs.org
and run a search for "Last Stand of the Tallgrass Prairie" to
get details on ordering a VHS copy from PBS. |
Up to 167 turbines are planned for Elk River Phase II
Photo courtesy of Protect The Flint Hills
See additional construction photos at their web site:
www.protecttheflinthills.org
Tallgrass Prairie Threatened
Today the Tallgrass Prairie covers less than 4 percent of its original
area. This makes it one of the rarest and most endangered ecosystems in
the world, and one that is profoundly affected by a variety of potential
ecological changes.
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What
Can I Do?
Many people in the Flint Hills and throughout Kansas are concerned about
the potential destruction of intact prairie landscapes by the intrusion
of large-scale industrial wind turbine complexes. Here are a few ideas
of what you can do!
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Impact on Prairie-Chickens Studied
Dr. Robert J. Robel's study, the Expected Impacts on Greater Prairie-Chickens
of Establishing a Wind Turbine Facility Near Rosalia, Kansas. Prepared
for Zilkha Renewable Energy, September 2002.
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Wind Energy Production Costs
The problem with wind energy is that it has a very low capacity factor.
Read an easy-to-understand comparison of the costs associated with wind,
coal and nuclear power production.
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Wind Farms Costly for Kansans
Wind farms proposed for the state of Kansas would take money out of citizens'
pockets, harm the Kansas economy, and provide few if any environmental
benefits, a new study finds. (Continue).
Visit
our blog for a list of media articles about Windpower Development.
Add new articles and join the discussion!
Links to learn more:
www.flinthillsheritage.org
www.protecttheflinthills.org
www.safewind.info
www.wind-farm.org
www.eere.energy.gov |
