Wind Power and Wildlife Issues in Kansas

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Remember in Wizard of Oz how Dorothy was swept away by a tornado, and how tornados are massive wind storms. Well, it is no wonder they took the setting in Kansas. “Kansas has been ranked third in the nation for its potential wind resources” (Wind Power and Wildlife Issues in Kansas). Wind turbines have been placed all around Kansas, gathering wind to produce energy. Truth is it’s causing problems for animals and farmers. A great deal of biodiversity is being taken place throughout the wildlife. Unhappy farmers complain about their land space and the effects it has on their farms. A person would never know about these issues though, as far as they know, Kansas is helping produce productive energy through the wind. If people are not familiar with the dangers that very productive systems bring, then one might as well watch the TV, but mute the sound. It is great to focus on the big picture of projects, but take a look around and see what the big picture could be affecting. Kansas’ new wind turbines are accumulating efficient energy for the state, but hurting the wildlife in some aspects.

Wind turbines are a tremendously effective way to collect energy from the wind. Amazingly each turbine is capable of producing 660 kilowatts, which is a total of 110 megawatts! Florida Power and Light Energy, LLC, are the creators and operators of these turbines in Kansas. The first towers were operational in August 2001 and all were completely operational by December 18, 2001. About 170 of these towers are able to power energy into 32,000 homes in the state of Kansas. The most important part of the whole turbine is the foundation; otherwise super speeds of winds, storms and tornados could knock down the turbines. Every tower foundation reach...

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...up jobs for people in search of management and create more opportunities for farmers and ranchers to make money. Companies place their towers on farmer’s acres and the farmers make profit off the lease of the turbine. Kansas has been placed in the top 3 states for energy efficiency and keeps improving the environment. Clean air is produce from the turbines without releasing emissions or taking up much space on land. Overall the production of wind turbines is making our country better, but people cannot over look what is happening around. The United States must been trying to help all aspects of life, both animals and humans.

Works Cited

http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/Services/Environmental-Reviews/Wind-Power-and-Wildlife-Issues-in-Kansas

https://www.wind-watch.org/faq-size.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/wind-farms-bird-deaths_n_3270691.html

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