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Press Mention WVLT Volunteer TV May 23, 2005

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Alexander urges TVA to quit building wind turbines

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Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander urged TVA to stop building wind turbine generators, calling them costly, unreliable, and unsightly. Stephen Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy criticized Alexander's position as reckless attacks on renewable energy. TVA announced it has no plans to construct additional wind turbines in the next two years after building 18 over the previous three years.

reckless, mean-spirited attacks on renewable energy

Stephen A. Smith

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Alexander urges TVA to quit building wind turbines

Chattanooga, Hamilton County (AP) - Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander is urging TVA to quit building wind turbine generators.

In a letter to the utility's board, Alexander says the windmills are costly, unreliable and unsightly.

The Senator is Chairman of the TVA Congressional Caucus.

After building 18 wind turbines over the past three years for its Green Power Switch program, TVA directors said Monday they don't have plans to construct any more in the next two years.

Wind-power enthusiasts blasted Alexander's letter.

Stephen Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy called Alexander's comments "reckless, mean-spirited attacks on renewable energy."