Block Island Residents Association

Report of the Opinion Poll *Only represents opinions of BIRA members

BIRA surveyed its members asking them 2 open ended questions about the 8 turbine wind farm to be located 3 miles south of Block Island. Question # 1 asked for their current opinion on the farm and Question #2 asked them if there was anything else they would like us to know about their views. Members responded via the internet and the survey was closed on June 17, 2010.There were 171 unduplicated responses attributed to 193 unduplicated individuals which represent approximately 1/3 of all BIRA members. Four BIRA members with basically neutral views on the farm, reviewed each response.After reviewing the response is was characterized in one of 5 ways (note moderately was used when the respondents position was clearly qualified of conflicting arguments were offered):

Strongly in favor of the proposed wind farm 73 respondents or 38%

Moderately in favor(qualified support) 22 respondents or 11%

Neutral or no opinion 24 respondents or 12%

Moderately opposed 9 respondents or 5%

Strongly opposed 65 respondents or 34%

One can’t help but notice that 72% of all respondents have strongly held views and that these are almost equally divided for and against.

The reviewers also characterized the qualifications and limiting criteria offered:. Respondents mentioned:

View shed and property values 75 respondents or 38% 2/3 expressed negative views

Cost of Power 63 respondents or 32% 60% were skeptical about savings

Renewable Energy 54 respondents or 28% All were pro renewable energy

Mainland Cable 44 respondents or 23% 50% wanted only the cable

Capital Cost and ROI 31 respondents or 16% 94% were negative comments

Concern for Enviro/wildlife 30 respondents or 16%

Deepwater 24 respondents or 12% All were negative about Deepwater

Wind Technology 19 respondents or 10% 60% were skeptical

Big wind farm 12 respondents or 6% All wanted the big farm

Maint and disassembly 12 respondents or 6%

The next section includes all unduplicated responses. We hope you will take the time to review them and draw your own conclusions about how BIRA can best serve its members.