Wind energy is safe; calls for moratorium would put significant
clean energy investments and jobs at risk
Jul 19 - PRNewswire
Calls for a moratorium on wind energy development pending results of
a Health Canada study are not warranted because the balance of
scientific and medical evidence to date clearly concludes that sound
from wind turbines does not adversely impact human health, says the
Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA).
"The vast majority of Canadians choose wind energy as a top source
for clean and safe new electricity. When discussing an issue as
important as our energy future we must look at the facts. It is clear
that the balance of research and experience to date - including hundreds
of thousands of people living and working near wind turbines in 89
countries around the world - concludes that wind energy does not
adversely impact human health," said Chris Forrest, vice-president of
Communications.
These conclusions are backed by a growing body of work, including
reports by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, the National
Public Health Institute in Quebec, and most recently by an expert panel
report to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the
Department of the Environment. An Oracle Research poll conducted this
year found that 78 per cent of Ontarians believe that wind energy is one
of the safest forms of electricity generation. According to Dr. Robert
Oliphant, President and CEO of the Asthma Society of Canada, "In all
forms, renewable energy is a safe and healthy alternative to fossil
fuels."
"Wind energy is broadly understood to be one of the safest and most
environmentally friendly forms of electricity generation around the
world. The wind energy industry is working collaboratively with all
levels of government and stakeholders to ensure jobs, investments and
affordable clean energy continue flowing into communities across the
country," says Forrest. "A moratorium would prevent thousands of
individuals, landowners and dozens of municipalities and First Nations
groups from participating in the clean energy economy."
CanWEA continues to work with all governments as well as scientific
and medical experts to review all new credible information on the
subject of wind energy and human health.
SOURCE CANADIAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION
Originally published by CANADIAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION.
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