To the editor:
Great coverage of the Leelanau Energy Members Picnic and gathering “to celebrate successes and plan for the year ahead.”
Some recall the December 2022 failure of a Leelanau Community Energy group’s past project when Northport’s wind turbine fell down.
There was great hoopla about this Big Green Machine’s installation, like a Christmas tree, bedecked only with tax credits for investors who touted sustainable, renewable, free winddriven energy. Didn’t these financiers post a required cash bond for the inevitable (and responsible) disposal of blades, tower post and other non-biodegradables? In what landfill did this renewable wreck end up? Did the bond cover payment-infull for disposal, or were taxpayers, utility customers, or some other parties left on the hook?
We look for answers to these questions. Please assign a probing Enterprise journalist to follow up on this key FAQ and other issues of interest: Was the net carbon footprint of this behemoth less than if the same investment had been made on natural gas to feed our power grid? Whatnetcostsavings was rendered by operation and after responsible disposal? Even after all this time, inquiring minds want to know…before going big green again.
Joan Brovins Northport
