Collins oversteps his expertise in trying to derail Lighthouse Wind project

Posted 12 February 2017 at 8:23 am

Editor:

I am one of many who are frustrated to see some of our representatives working to stall economic development in our region. The bill that Congressman Chris Collins introduced would prevent any wind farms built within 40 miles of a military base from receiving any production tax credits. This legislation completely disregards the findings of the Department of Defense and a top official at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Months ago, the Department of Defense sent a letter to Lighthouse Wind, saying the project is “unlikely to impact military testing or training operations” at the base. Then, this fall, a top official at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, confirmed that the base’s new mission makes the wind turbines a “nonissue” for the base.

The legislation aims to prevent the construction of Lighthouse Wind, a much needed investment in our rural community, but it ignores the military’s previous comments about the wind project. We must trust the military’s own experts to make these determinations that neither you nor I are trained to assess.  Military officers have the expertise to make these judgements, not Congressman Collins.

The DoD and the FAA conduct rigorous evaluations of all structures over 200 feet prior to construction. When Lighthouse Wind submits its final application, which includes turbine height and location, these experts will be able to review the project once again and approve it.

I believe our national security experts are doing their due diligence and acting in the best interest of our country and our military base. I ask that others trust the experts as well.

Sincerely,

Reneé Atwater

Barker