To: Salem City Council
Wind Power for Salem
Whereas every kilowatt of renewable energy prevents the burning of fossil fuels, avoiding emissions that add to climate change and damage health;
Whereas Salem, as a coastal community, is threatened by sea level rise and increased storm strength and frequency caused by climate change;
Whereas Salem is proud to be among the first Massachusetts Green Communities;
Whereas the City of Salem could cover more than half its annual electric bill of over $1 million by erecting this one turbine on the single best site for wind in the city;
We, the undersigned, support the siting of a 1.5-megawatt wind turbine on Winter Island in Salem, Massachusetts.
Why is this important?
The City of Salem is proposing to build a 1.5-megawatt wind turbine at Winter Island.
The turbine would produce enough energy to power approximately 300 homes, creating a revenue stream for the city and helping to move our state away from reliance on fossil fuels, the major cause of global climate change.
Over the course of its 30-year lifetime, the turbine would reduce our city’s carbon emissions by 80,000 tons, the equivalent of taking about 13,000 cars off the road.
The City conducted a thorough study of all city-owned lands to determine the best site for a wind turbine. After analyzing the best wind locations with an outside consultant and considering a range of factors–including proximity to residences, access to the power grid, topography, and other impacts–it was determined that the best location for the project was Winter Island.