"No Benefits"
Myth: "Wind Projects Harm Property Values"
Fact:There is no evidence that the presence of a commercial windfarm within sight of a property systematically decreases that property's value. In fact, a nationwide study conducted in 2003 surveyed property near multiple wind farms and found that not only do wind farms not harm property values, but that in some cases the values increased.
Myth: "Wind Projects Depress Tourism"
Fact:There is no evidence to indicate that wind turbines drive tourists away. In some areas, wind turbines even draw tourists. Local governments frequently work with developers to install information stands and signs near wind farms, as well as pull-off areas, similar to "scenic overlooks", from nearby roads. Surveys of tourists have found that the presence of wind turbines would not affect the decision of most visitors to return. The thousands of turbines in Palm Springs, California, have had no negative impact on the tourism business; on the contrary, the local tourism center organizes bus tours to the wind farms.
Myth: "Wind Projects Don't Contribute to the Local Tax Base"
Fact: Installing millions of dollars of equipment in most areas greatly increases the local taxes assessed, and wind farms are no exception. Wind farms support the local tax base, helping to pay for schools and roads far more than their impact to local facilities. One large (108-turbine) project in rural Prowers County, Colorado, increased the county's tax base by 29%.
Economic development associated with a new wind farm extends far beyond taxes to increased employment, directly from the wind farm operation and construction, and to money pumped in the local economy through services needed to support a large construction project, including increased hotel stays and restaurant revenues.