May 05, 2006 — If you're concerned about high gas prices you may be interested in interested in alternative fuels.Or maybe you'd like your home to be more energy efficient. You'd like to use solar, wind or micro-hydro energy, or build "green". There is a long list of alternative ways to produce or save energy, and most of that list can be found somewhere on the agenda for the Eleventh Annual North Country Sustainable Energy Fair at Canton College today and tomorrow. A panel on biodiesel kicks off the fair tonight at canton College. Martha Foley talked with Ann Heidenreich, of Community Energy Services, one of the organizers.  Go to full article

Apr 28, 2006 — Clayton, in the Thousand Islands portion of the St. Lawrence River, is the latest North Country town to consider a moratorium on industrial scale wind turbines. A developer of the wind farm on the Tug Hill Plateau wants to erect 40 to 60 windmills in Clayton. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Apr 21, 2006 — This week, the Plattsburgh town council voted unanimously for a one-year moratorium on wind farms. There are a couple spots in the town where wind power production would be feasible. But no developer has approached officials with a project. Still, supervisor Bernie Bassett told David Sommerstein Plattsburgh wanted to move cautiously into the world of renewable energy. He says the turbines provoked more questions than answers.  Go to full article

Apr 20, 2006 — Schools across the North Country are trimming and tucking in anticipation of next month's budget votes. One district, however, is flush with money. Lowville Central Schools is awaiting a $445,000 check. It's the first of an annual tax payment from the 120-turbine Maple Ridge wind farm located nearby. The district expects another $2 million in January, and more than $3 million each following year. David Sommerstein spoke with Lowville superintendent Kenneth McAuliffe. He says the school board's developed an elaborate 15-year plan. It includes stabilizing the tax levy, saving for future capital costs, and reducing debt. Even after that, McAuliffe says there's $275,000 a year for other purchases.  Go to full article

Apr 17, 2006 — Two more North Country towns are embroiled in debate over industrial-size wind farms. In Cape Vincent, hours of public meetings have failed to yield setback requirements for a proposed 60-windmill farm near the St. Lawrence River. The town of Plattsburgh will consider a one-year moratorium on wind farms tonight.

In northern Clinton County, two projects promising almost 300 windmills are moving ahead. One of the companies held open houses last week to court supporters. Opponents have sued to halt the plans. As David Sommerstein reports, at stake are an economic windfall and a rural landscape that could be forever changed.  Go to full article

Mar 21, 2006 — A group of neighbors in Beekmantown is urging the zoning board to delay a decision scheduled for Wednesday on a proposed new wind farm. Windhorse LLC hopes to develop 13 new wind towers in the community. Town officials told the Press Republican newspaper that only residents living within 500 feet of the project were notified. The newspaper also reports Beekmantown officials have already recognized the project as an "essential" service similar to a public utility. Concerned residents met with town officials last night. Neighbor William Hutton told Brian Mann that too many local people weren't notified about the wind farm until recently, and never had the opportunity to provide input.  Go to full article

Mar 09, 2006 — The town of Ellenburg in Clinton County is hosting an informal meeting Friday on wind farms. Two developers want to erect a total of 74 turbines there. As David Sommerstein reports, local leaders want to get out accurate information.  Go to full article

Apr 08, 2005 — The Pataki administration is urging wind power developers to look for sites outside the Adirondack Park. The message was delivered yesterday at a Park Agency meeting in Ray Brook. As Brian Mann reports, the lack of political support in Albany could derail a major project proposed for North Creek.  Go to full article

Mar 07, 2005 — If wind power projects go forward in the North Country, they will change the visual landscape for some of the most pristine areas in the Adirondack Park. Author and activist Bill McKibben spends much of each year wandering the hills and back roads near his home in Johnsburg. McKibben says the massive windmills are a necessary evil and a symbol of hope for a world threatened by global warming. Bill McKibben is author of the End of Nature and a new book due out this spring called Wandering Home about his his trek through the Champlain Valley. He divides his time between Johnsburg, in the Adirondacks, and Middlebury, Vermont. His essay first appeared in the New York Times.  Go to full article

Nov 26, 2004 — Wind power is attracting more and more attention in the north country. A 70-turbine project has been proposed for the town of Burke in Franklin county. Construction of a massive wind farm is expected to start next spring on the Tug Hill Plateau in Lewis County. At least one wind power company is now looking at sites in the Adirondack Park. The plan worries some environmental groups, who worry about the impact of turbine towers on the Park's scenery. Chris Knight has our story.  Go to full article