One problem with wind power is it takes lots of real estate (compared to, oh, a nuclear power plant). And the more real estate it takes up, the more likely it is to be near someone who object. For example, the residents of the fine town of Union, Oregon. According to Oregon Live.com, plans to build a wind farm near the town of Union are meeting heavy opposition by the locals (links original):
A Texas company has proposed building a wind project across 47,000 acres on the slopes that overlook two sides of town. Plans for the Antelope Ridge Wind Power Project call for 182 turbines, some within 1 1/2 miles of the town center. With blades fully upright, towers would be as tall as 520 feet -- 24 feet shy of Oregon's tallest building, the Wells Fargo tower in Portland.
Union -- fearing spoiled views, damage to wildlife habitat and other problems -- rolled up its sleeves for a fight. The City Council declared its opposition to the project in December, and a hastily formed group papered the town with "Say NO" posters.
And it's not just residents, but the usual suspects of greenies that are opposing wind farms:
Two groups, meanwhile, are trying to block three wind farms planned for the north flank of Steens Mountain in the state's southeast corner.
The Oregon Natural Desert Association and Audubon Society of Portland object to installing turbines on a state icon. They also worry about damage to wildlife, including the sage grouse, which is being considered for federal protection as an endangered species.
(The sage grouse didn't get the protection.)
You know, if you built a nuclear power plant rather than wind turbines, you'd have a lot less people to anger and worry about NIMBYism (Not in My Back Yard-ism). But nuclear power isn't politically correct. Even though it has yet to kill a bird (can wind turbines make the same claim?).
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