Iowa's wind energy in USA Today

[Debi]

http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20060224/a_windmills24.art.htm

MASON CITY, Iowa — Windmills are sprouting on hillsides across the Midwest, but this city is encouraging the use of electricity-producing wind turbines everywhere — even in homeowners' backyards.

Mason City this week became the first Iowa town to set rules that allow windmills in commercial, industrial and residential zones. The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance Tuesday.

City planner Tricia Sandahl says the council initially considered permitting windmills only in industrial areas. “Then we decided, let's just take a bolder step,” she says. “We wanted to encourage small wind systems in residential areas. With electric prices going up, it just makes sense.”

A few generations ago, almost every farm around here had a windmill that generated enough energy to pump water or grind grain. Those old-fashioned windmills became extinct after rural electric cooperatives extended power in the 1940s. In the past decade, commercial wind farms sprouted as energy costs soared.

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I know Cedar Falls Utilities uses some wind energy and is working on corn/switchgrass.

How about other communities?

[rurallib]

1. Slightly off topic but I heard hemp was about the best source

of biomass for ethanol. Suppose there is any chance that Dubai Dubya is serious about alternative energy and he would allow hemp production?

[IA_Seth]

2. Whoa now, don't get me started.

Not only do I think it is absolutely RIDICULOUS that we don't promote industrial Hemp farming (for use in all sorts of things, ethanol included)..but I also think the fact that Marijuana is illegal is just about as insane.

Legalize it and tax the shit out of it. It has medicinal value and is no more harmful than alcohol, probably less so. It would generate revenue, it would provide affordable pain relief, relieve our jails of some massive overcrowding, and make everyone happy!

Ok, back to the wind discussion.

[Debi]

8. ' And would make everyone happy' Always thinking about the people

:smoke: aren't you seth? :hippie:

And it would help Doritos consumtion in the area! :bounce:

[Hardrada]

11. LOL

My favorites!

[IA_Seth]

3. Nada in Cedar Rapids....

But I would love to see this here. Seems like a good "technology cooridor" partnership to me.

[pstans]

5. CR/Iowa City isn't a good wind area

The potential for wind power is greatest in NW Iowa and slopes down to the SE. That is why there are a lot more wind farms in NW Iowa.

Iowa Wind Map

[IA_Seth]

9. Thanks!

That pretty much craps on my dreams, but I appreciate it still!

[pstans]

10. Wind/Solar combo system

You could still get a small wind/solar combo system that would meet your needs. I would think the areas in blue are still ok for wind power, but stay away from the white areas.

[Critters2]

4. Damn!

I had the chance to move to Mason City and I effed it up. Of course, it'll still be there when I'm done here.

[progressoid]

6. I know someone in Laurens IA. They have really cheap elec service

because of all of the wind generators.

They produce more electricity than they can use. Add to that a municipal utility and you get cheap energy. People there replace old gas furnaces with electric since it's more economical.

[Hardrada]

12. There are some wind generators near Quimby Iowa I think.

Anyone know about those?

[IADEMO2004]

7. Waaaaay toooo logical

Generate electricity where it is to be used? A side benifit would be more space in the countyside for cell towers. I would like to have a wind generator at my house someday soon.