Trump says windmills are "driving the whales crazy" in tirade against wind energy

Summary

The speaker strongly criticizes wind energy, arguing that windmills are inefficient, costly, and environmentally damaging. They claim that wind farms require government subsidies to remain viable and suggest that old turbines are left to decay, creating further environmental issues. The speaker also links windmills to the deaths of whales, though this is not substantiated. While the speaker’s views are highly negative, the summary underscores the ongoing debate about the true costs and benefits of wind energy, highlighting concerns about its economic feasibility and environmental impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 Windmills are criticized for being a form of 'litter' across the country, with many becoming waste after a certain period.
• 😀 The speaker claims that windmills are the most expensive form of energy and only remain viable due to government subsidies.
• 😀 According to the speaker, only those profiting from windmill projects support their continued use, as they benefit from large subsidies.
• 😀 Wind energy is said to be many times more expensive than natural gas, making it a less favorable option for energy production.
• 😀 The speaker opposes the construction of windmills off the coast of New Jersey, citing local opposition and high costs.
• 😀 Windmills are described as unreliable and not self-sustaining, as they require subsidies to remain operational.
• 😀 The construction of large windmill towers is depicted as cumbersome, requiring multiple ships for transportation, and are described as 'dangerous.'
• 😀 There are concerns about windmills harming marine life, with the example of increased whale deaths near Massachusetts attributed to windmill activity.
• 😀 The environmental impact of windmills is discussed, with the claim that they are harmful to both wildlife and the landscape over time.
• 😀 The problem of windmill blades rusting and deteriorating is highlighted, especially in places like Palm Springs, California, where old turbines are abandoned and new ones are installed nearby.
• 😀 The speaker questions the environmental reasoning behind not being able to bury windmill blades due to regulations, labeling it as an illogical decision that makes it difficult to deal with old turbines.

Q & A

What is the primary argument made against windmills in the script?

The primary argument is that windmills are inefficient and expensive, relying heavily on subsidies to function. The speaker claims that they are ultimately 'garbage' after a period of time, and their cost far outweighs their energy production when compared to cleaner sources like natural gas.

How are windmills perceived in relation to government subsidies?

Windmills are portrayed as an industry that depends on government subsidies for profitability. The speaker suggests that only those who profit from windmills—such as those receiving subsidies—support their construction, implying that they are not financially viable without these supports.

What concerns are raised about the environmental impact of windmills?

The script highlights a concern about windmills negatively impacting marine life, particularly whales. The speaker points out an increase in whale deaths in areas where windmills have been installed, suggesting that the turbines disrupt the environment in ways that are not fully understood.

What is mentioned about the lifespan of windmills and their maintenance?

The speaker mentions that windmills need to be replaced after about 10 years. However, instead of being properly maintained or decommissioned, they are left to rust and decay, with no viable solution for disposing of their materials, particularly the blades.

What issue is highlighted in relation to the disposal of windmill blades?

It is noted that windmill blades cannot be buried due to environmental regulations, creating a problem when they need to be disposed of. This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that many windmills are left standing and deteriorating because it is costly and difficult to remove them.

How does the speaker describe the current state of windmills in places like Palm Springs?

The speaker describes windmills in places like Palm Springs as deteriorating and in a state of decay. The turbines are said to be rusting, rotting, and falling apart, yet new windmills are often built next to them without removing the old ones due to the high cost of removal.

What is the problem with windmill construction in coastal areas like New Jersey?

In coastal areas like New Jersey, the proposed construction of windmills is met with local resistance. The speaker claims that people are opposed to the idea, and the high cost of building offshore wind farms, like the 200 planned windmills, is another major concern.

How does the speaker describe the physical scale and logistics of windmill construction?

The speaker describes windmills as massive structures, some reaching 170 stories tall, and highlights the logistical challenges involved in their construction, such as the need for three ships to transport the components. This is framed as an example of the impracticality of windmill projects.

What does the speaker believe about the viability of wind energy without subsidies?

The speaker asserts that wind energy is not a viable business without government subsidies. They argue that energy industries that require subsidies are not sustainable, and thus, wind energy does not represent a truly competitive energy source.

What is the critique regarding the perspective of environmentalists on wind energy?

The speaker criticizes environmentalists who support wind energy, stating that they are drawn to the idea because it sounds good but fail to recognize the long-term issues associated with windmills, such as their environmental impact and inefficiency.