Wind farms come in various ratings and dimensions.
Knowing where wind turbines are located, and what the physical dimensions are for each turbine, should be helpful for those who are either interested in how wind turbines are affecting certain locations, or what their impacts have been.
The USGS has developed a map that shows the location of all wind turbines installed in the united States through July 22, 2013.
The map is interactive, so that wind farms at known locations can be seen, and where it’s possible to zoom in, to see individual turbines.
Data, such as height, rating and blade dimensions, is available for each wind farm.
The map is available at http://eerscmap.usgs.gov/windfarm
An abstract describing the map and its intended use is at http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/817
The abstract also describes the methodology used for developing the interactive map.
The intent of the USGS is to develop metrics for assessing the effect of wind turbines on the environment, e.g., land use, wildlife, etc.
These metrics will be important as each state attempts to establish its plans for meeting the EPA’s new regulations for cutting CO2 emissions 30% by 2030.
Wind and solar are to be included in each state’s plan for cutting CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants, with the intent of shutting these plants down.
The U.S. Department of Interior, the organization overseeing USGS, has been an advocate for wind energy, so it will be interesting to see how the proposal for identifying the impact of wind farms on the environment evolves.
People, who are for and against wind turbines, should find this interactive map very interesting.
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