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Tuesday, 16th March 2010

Watchdog ruling on Matlock Moor carbon figure

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Published Date:
26 March 2009
A WATCHDOG has asked a firm to stop overstating the carbon-saving benefits of its proposed wind farm.
West Coast Energy claimed its planned Matlock Moor wind farm "could displace CO2 emissions of between 295,650 and 719,415 tonnes" in leaflets.

But the Advertising Standards Authority asked it to stop using the figures after Keith Moore, of Action
Against Matlock Moor Windfarm Proposal (AMP), complained.

AMP spokesman Jon McLeod said: "West Coast's misinformation has been shown up for what it is – green spin designed to bounce a well-meaning community into accepting a disfiguring turbine development.

"By overstating the potential CO2 savings by over 200 per cent, West Coast has, deliberately or not, misled the public and politicians. This ruling is a major blow to the turbine proposal."

Firm director Matthew Hayes agreed to stop using the figures, but said his firm had followed Government guidelines and never intended to mislead.

Mr Hayes added: "Emissions offset could vary depending on whether savings are against a coal-fired or gas-fired power station.

"A range was expressed, giving best and worst case scenarios."

The ASA accepted West Coast's assurances and no formal action was taken.



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  • Last Updated: 25 March 2009 4:33 PM
  • Source: Matlock Mercury
  • Location: Matlock
 
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Derek Timms,

Darley Dale 26/03/2009 22:01:39
If these wind farms don't provide as much energy as stated, shouldn't we be constructing a lot more to make up the shortfall?

Or we can all argue until Mad Max becomes a reality. If it isn't already.
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Lone Starr,

Matock Bath 26/03/2009 22:46:34
I would like to see an article in the Mercury next week to put across the views of the RSPB, who are now saying that they are wanting MORE wind turbine projects.

There are many people out there who are desperate to see a reduction in our reliance on fossil fuels, and I am one of them. The quicker the government can put through legislation to allow more wind turbines, the better.

Not long ago, the government made it impossible for someone to protest against the erection of a mobile phone mast on the grounds of the "possible" and unproven health risks. Surely they should now do the same for wind turbing projects, now the RSPB confirm that they do not slice & dice migrating lapwings.

At the same time, we should all be doing as much as we can to reduce our carbon footprint (and yes, for these comments I use a very low power computer which consumes about the same as a low energy lightbulb).
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