Questions for SunZia

One is that the steel towers holding up the 500,000-volt wires will be 120 to 160 feet tall, depending on terrain.

[essie]

yes, lets hope it is hidden.. those towers are an eye sore.

[MaryKay Brady]

This has got to be one of the most unbelievable things for Deming/Luna County to encourage.

What we have going for us a a nice hometown friendly place with clear blue open skies. Why should we tolerate this ugly construction?

Do the people who live close to the installation site realize that time to short to protest?

Is our new tag line to read home of fast ducks, good water and ugly skyline?

Tell us the good parts of this project as I fail to see them------

[Star Lady]

MaryKay, I see no good parts to this project. It sounds like we're just being used as a conduit for northern NM to get their wind energy to Arizona and energy hungry California. What's up with that, SunZia?

[Harry]

SL Actually these transmission lines can be quite a boon for the areas they pass through if the local government is on top of it. Every year our Country grows which means we need more power, more power ==more powerlines.

[Star Lady]

But Harry...Are we going to have access to this power or is it just going to travel though our county on big, ugly transmission towers?

[Idaho Jenny]

Another very good aspect of this is they can then put wind and or solar farms in and that will be a big boon.
Those need transmission lines to be put in.
All over the country I hear people complain about high energy costs, and that we need more "green power" yet when they go to put in one of the greenest, wind, those same people complain "It will be an eyesore, or they are ugly and I don't want them in my back yard.
You can't have both, green and pretty.... take your pick. Personally I think they are fascinating. Yes I know a bit about them as my husband works with the companies that does the roads and pads to put them in, and my son runs one in North Dakota.

[Harry]

Star, that is a very good question, but one with rests with how involved and knowledgeable the local government representatives are. Ideally the presence of these lines would open up avenues for renewable energy sites to be stated right here, I believe that to be quite an incentive for the local economy it it’s self. Then is also the question of revenue coming into to the community from out-sourced power which will pass through these lines, and our County. There is some ‘dealing room’ any time you have something that going to make big bucks for people, such as those whishing to put this line in. The outcome as to what a community might gain, or loose is much in the hands of the local and State representatives.

Star Lady wrote:

But Harry...Are we going to have access to this power or is it just going to travel though our county on big, ugly transmission towers?

[Star Lady]

Oh Harry...I hope you're right that our local representatives know what they're doing. I'm hoping the lines travel north of town to take advantage of the possible solar facility that is being talked about out there. The alternative route is going to cut through the south part of town, and THAT will be quite an eyesore, not to mention that high voltage power line bring with them all sorts of nerve scrambling problems for humans and animals alike.

[Harry]

Star, I understand your concerns. My hope is that by the time these lines come about the CGJ has already been convened, and we have some honest,and knowlegeable folks as representatives. Otherwise I'd suggest we all get some tinfoil :)

Star Lady wrote:

Oh Harry...I hope you're right that our local representatives know what they're doing. I'm hoping the lines travel north of town to take advantage of the possible solar facility that is being talked about out there. The alternative route is going to cut through the south part of town, and THAT will be quite an eyesore, not to mention that high voltage power line bring with them all sorts of nerve scrambling problems for humans and animals alike.

[Star Lady]

I love that tinfoil scenario, Harry! Thanks for the chuckle...

[Gordon Mast]

Harry wrote:

Star, I understand your concerns. My hope is that by the time these lines come about the CGJ has already been convened, and we have some honest,and knowlegeable folks as representatives. Otherwise I'd suggest we all get some tinfoil :)
<quoted text>

Harry, is Reynolds wrap preferred over store brand?

and do we need to shape it in any special design for the best protection?

Just on our heads , or do must we get super protective?

I, for one do not like the idea of this high power transmission line going through..north or south of town....sorry, but I don't, and my reasons don't need to be posted.

be well

[Harry]

Absolutely Jenny. While I’m in fact a nature and open range buff myself, I none the realize that our Country is growing in population, and along with population comes changes, to include more energy needs. Much like when the railroads cut through the great expanses of grasslands, so to do these transmission lines, solar and wind turbine farms. One day, and probably not too far into the future folks in Luna Co are going to awake one morning and see these large turbines churning away right here. My belief is that if the wind sites are done in moderation, based upon factors present at any given selected area, that they in fact can become an asset in more ways than one for the communities hosting them. I’ve personally visited many of these sites in many different states, and a couple different Counties. Unfortunately a few of these sites which I visited did not adhere to my own personal taste of blending, instead of intrusion. Many, many aspects to be consider when locating these turbine sites, while energy production and profitability play a large part they do not, and cannot stand alone in their devolvement. Much of the dissent of which you speak Jenny comes as a result members and the particular energy company were probably not on the same page. As much as I love hearing the whisper of these turbines as their blades slip ever so gracefully through the sky, I can at the same time understand and respect those who have lost something which they loved and admired as well. Moderation, blending and education built upon a desire to produce energy at the lowest cost possible, and as little impact which can be achieved. Wind is good, and I believe with the current devolvement plan the energy these turbines will produce will keep us not at, but above our future energy needs as the technology progresses. With the strides solar technology is taking, I actually expect it to be able to out perform wind in the very near future.

Idaho Jenny wrote:

Another very good aspect of this is they can then put wind and or solar farms in and that will be a big boon.
Those need transmission lines to be put in.
All over the country I hear people complain about high energy costs, and that we need more "green power" yet when they go to put in one of the greenest, wind, those same people complain "It will be an eyesore, or they are ugly and I don't want them in my back yard.
You can't have both, green and pretty.... take your pick. Personally I think they are fascinating. Yes I know a bit about them as my husband works with the companies that does the roads and pads to put them in, and my son runs one in North Dakota.