The vote against wind turbines at Annual Town Meeting was disappointing. While the discussion and the vote showed a recognition that alternative energy sources are needed, the arguments against the proposal centered around view sheds and cell phone towers. I was struck by the inconsistencies. As John Sweeney pointed out, miles of power lines along our “scenic roads” and large-scale development of new homes have a far greater visual impact on our town than a few windmills would. Also, we do not have a lineup of residents comparable to the wireless carriers wanting to put up as many structures as possible. I would be astonished if more than one or two windmills are built in the first year after allowing them in Harvard. There would be ample time to tweak this bylaw for better safety and aesthetic provisions.
However, what got me upset was an article by Anthony Marolda (“Turbines Won’t Help”) in the March 31 issue of the Press. Aside from the distasteful comparison of energy-conscious citizens to “religious zealots,” the article lays bare a serious problem in how the American public can be influenced through the news media. Ironically, Mr. Marolda instructs us to go back to science class. If more people paid attention to the quality of scientific research that provides sound bites, headlines, and grist for various blogs on the Internet, they would appreciate how some pretty weak arguments can be used to sow doubt in the public’s mind. The Danish paper cited as evidence “against” global warming, was merely a good beginning to understanding the effects of solar activity cycles on climate. Sadly, it is now popular with radical right think tanks like the Heartland Institute and the American Policy Center, which use it to argue that “global warming is a hoax,” a refrain familiar to Harvard residents. With just a little effort, people can learn the full context for this debate.
Even those who don’t believe in global warming can agree that the days of cheap oil are behind us. Personally, I would welcome the sight of a few windmills in my view shed as a reminder that we can still adapt to problems, however slow the process might be.
Dennis Collins
Littleton Road
