Editor, OBSERVER:

This is in regard to the front-page article (Oc.t 8) stating, “Members of the Chautauqua County Board of Health are considering stepping up Health Department regulation of industrial wind turbines.”

There are currently more than 56,000 onshore wind turbines operating in the United States of America today. States like Texas and Iowa are leading the way to deliver economical renewable energy to its residents while creating jobs. The county Board of Health members will not find legitimate peer reviewed science to show evidence of a “public health hazard.” Therefore, a decision to regulate on the grounds of public health would be arbitrary and capricious.

From the newspaper’s reporting, it appears that the Board of Health members are searching for a reason to impede the transition to renewable energy rather than protect the public health. Members of the Chautauqua County community deserve better from our appointed officials.

I strongly urge the members to make decisions based not on fearmongering, but on facts.

LISA MERTZ,

Mayville