WHY DISCOURAGE WIND?

So here’s the question: Why would Rahall want to slow the development of wind? What’s in it for him? Who contributes to his campaign? Maybe we'll find some answers at WINDPOWER 2007 (Los Angeles, June 3-6)

AWEA Speaks Out Against Strict Wind Laws
May 21, 2007 (UPI)

WHO
U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va.; American Wind Energy Association, Randall Swisher, head); U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS),

WHAT
Rahall’s H.R. 2337 would set new, rigid rules for wind energy that would likely slow its growth.

WHEN
Hearing: House Natural Resources Committee, May 23.

WHERE
House of Representatives.

WHY
H.R. 2337, Subtitle D, criminalizes any wind project not certified by USFWS, even private projects on private property. Penalties include jail time and fines up to $50,000.
Aside from discouraging development, the legislation obviously slows it.

QUOTES
Swisher: "This bill is an unprecedented threat to clean, renewable energy…It would undermine an essential piece of the global warming solution. Wind energy is the one readily deployable, cost-effective option we have available to meet this challenge, and Rep. Rahall's proposal would put a massive roadblock in its path."