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California's San Bernardino County restricts construction of solar, wind farms

latimes.com

21–30 of 214 posts

Re: California's San Bernardino County restricts construction of solar, wind farms

#22
post #7

Wow.. when I thought NIMBYism in California couldn't get any worst. From here: https://www.sbsun.com/2019/02/28/san-bernardino-county-board... " some residents say the prohibition will protect communities from potential health hazards caused by blowing dust, which increases when pristine desert land is disturbed by construction. They also sited the protection of scenic views, carbon sequestration from desert vegetati…

They’ve ramped it up to NIMC.

What does the 'C' stand for? County? Country? City?

Re: California's San Bernardino County restricts construction of solar, wind farms

#23
I gave this a little bit of thought. I agree with the decision, but not at all for the reason that San Bernardino County cites.

We have (and California/Western States especially) drastically reduced per capita water consumption over the past few decades. Almost nobody has noticed.

This same approach needs to happen with electricity and other forms of energy. We shouldn't build any net new large-scale generation facilities (replacements are ok). To really make a difference, we must consume less. Consuming the same or more is no longer an option, even if it renewable or carbon-free.

Thoughts?

Re: California's San Bernardino County restricts construction of solar, wind farms

#24

I gave this a little bit of thought. I agree with the decision, but not at all for the reason that San Bernardino County cites. We have (and California/Western States especially) drastically reduced per capita water consumption over the past few decades. Almost nobody has noticed. This same approach needs to happen with electricity and other forms of energy. We shouldn't build any net new large-scale generation facil…

> reduced per capita water consumption

Immigration though, and also electric cars etc will need more energy.

Re: California's San Bernardino County restricts construction of solar, wind farms

#27
post #8

>[...] solar projects proposed along or near the highway would ruin the pristine desert landscapes [...] Ironic.

I suppose a divider with solar panels in it that also provide shade to driving cars would be out of the question.

Re: California's San Bernardino County restricts construction of solar, wind farms

#28

I gave this a little bit of thought. I agree with the decision, but not at all for the reason that San Bernardino County cites. We have (and California/Western States especially) drastically reduced per capita water consumption over the past few decades. Almost nobody has noticed. This same approach needs to happen with electricity and other forms of energy. We shouldn't build any net new large-scale generation facil…

No, generating less solar and wind will mean burning more natural gas and coal. Fossil fuels don’t get charged for their pollution externalities so their price on the energy market is artificially low, and demand artificially high.

Also, you just claimed that consuming more energy is not an option with making any arguments to support that claim. In fact, consuming more energy is an option every household has, and if we ban solar and wind then that energy will come from fossil fuels.

Re: California's San Bernardino County restricts construction of solar, wind farms

#29

I gave this a little bit of thought. I agree with the decision, but not at all for the reason that San Bernardino County cites. We have (and California/Western States especially) drastically reduced per capita water consumption over the past few decades. Almost nobody has noticed. This same approach needs to happen with electricity and other forms of energy. We shouldn't build any net new large-scale generation facil…

If it’s renewable and carbon-neutral, why isn’t it an option to consume more?

Re: California's San Bernardino County restricts construction of solar, wind farms

#30
post #12

It took me a while to find out why locals were saying solar farms cause dust storms. The locals claim solar farms destabilize the soil. Dust isn’t in the interest of the energy producer because it lowers efficiency so my assumption is that they would do everything to limit dust. I guess I’m surprised that the LA Times would publish a claim like that without comment or caveat.

They’re just reporting what each side is saying without arguing against their claims. They leave it to the reader to make of it what they will. In my personal opinion, this is how reporting should be. Don’t do my thinking for me and don’t lead me in a particular direction.

I doubt most people actually believe dust has anything to do with it. They don’t want these infrastructure projects near them, plain and simple.

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