A Good Idea But Not In My Backyard

Homeowners trying to harvest wind energy have been frustrated by zoning regulations across the country.

"Planning and zoning are the single biggest obstacle to wind energy in the United States," said Roy Butler, owner of Four Winds Renewable Energy in western New York, who often consults with local governments faced with turbine permit requests.

Local zoning stymies U.S. wind power - USATODAY.com

"Rhode Island Renewable Energy owner Dave Anderson said promoting turbines in some wind-fertile areas can be almost futile, since neighbors there 'want to be green, and they think it's a great idea and, you know, we've got to do something about the Middle East. But 'Just don't do it in my backyard.'"