Quantitative and qualitative research was conducted during 1988 and 1989 with regards to California's large wind energy developments. Environmental support as well as environmental opposition was studied.
Environmental concerns, especially those of local environmentalists and activists within the host communities, are limiting wind energy well below its potential in California. “Visual Intrusion” is by far the most salient environmental concern.
The tradeoffs between scenic preservation and windpower's reliable, economical, pollution-free electricity production need to be realistically addressed. This cannot occur until perceptions regarding wind energy's attributes catch up with its technology.
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