Helman, C. (2020, February 21). Trump Condemns California Wind Farm As Decrepit Eagle Killer. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherhelman/2020/02/21/trump-condemns-california-wind-farm-as-decrepit-eagle-killer/#5f32cea12054
In Palm Springs, California, there is a large onshore wind farm that has been in use since the 1980’s. President Trump visited this area a few weeks ago and thrashed on it for it’s unaesthetic looks and it’s danger to the bald eagle population. But, from a study that was done, it was found that only two bald eagles have been killed from this wind farm, and that’s in almost 40 years. This wind farm produces about 1600 megawatt hours of power each year and the energy is 100% renewable and carbon free.
I disagree with Trump’s criticism of this wind farm, and wind farms across the country. Although they might not be aesthetically pleasing to everyone, they get the job done, they are efficient, renewable, and produce no carbon emissions. And, his point of killing the bald eagle population is false, because only two have been killed by this wind farm in the last 40 years. Although the occasional bird might be killed because of these wind farms, there is no danger to entire populations of birds. I think that California should continue to make more wind farms because of their efficiency and nonexistent carbon emission.
This isn’t the first time Trump has made a claim without supporting evidence. My question is, where is the offshore wind farm (I didn’t realize Palm Springs had a coast… being that it’s in the desert). Maybe they are just transporting the power there???? At any rate 1600 MW seems like a lot of power to come off of one windfarm. Did it say if it was cost competitive with other renewables? Or if there were other env. impacts? Do you think wind is a worthwhile investment based on everything you’ve learned about it through your articles?