The proposed wind-generated power plant – not the eco-endearing term, “wind farm” – is drawing ire from local residents in Ashe County. If the turbines are allowed to be built, they will lower property values, hurt tourism, and damage the aesthetics of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Daren Bakst mentioned this, along with other concerns, at a Utilities Commission hearing.  Daren also provided comment on the Commission’s report about whether a renewable portfolio standard would be a good policy for the state.  As Daren’s comments reveal, all this concern about diversifying our energy may lead us to forget that every energy option we review must be viewed from a cost-benefit standpoint. It’s easy to lose sight of this, and instead choose any option that gives the appearance of benefiting the environment.  As Jon Sanders told Rush Limbaugh, who then in turn told his listeners, eco-crazies see the world as a horrible place.  That’s not the end to the battle between Jon’s wit and environmentalism.  In The Politically Incorrect Guide to Global Warming and Environmentalism, the author includes a text box that pulls from Jon’s blog on Greenpeace’s form-fitting, alarmist press release. Putting it all together at a Southern Appalachian Multi-Use Council meeting, Chad Adams tied the impact of the environmental movement, including global warming, smart growth, and the Endangered Species Act, on freedom.