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Oswego County legislators visit Wyoming County to discuss wind energy

Two Oswego County legislators traveled to Wyoming County on a fact-finding mission to learn more about wind energy and its impact on one western New York county. Amy Tresidder, who represents Oswego, and James Karasek, who represents Granby and Fulton, visited two wind farms and were able to get close enough to touch the massive structures.

"I would compare the sound to sitting on the beach and the surf rolling in. It's a very- it's not loud -but you do hear the sound. And it's depending on where you're standing. As you walk away, the sound gets a little bit louder. When you're right under it, it's a little quieter."

Tresidder says the visit may help the county be more productive when it comes to renewable energy.

"Alternative energy is something that is being talked about all the time. You know, you can't hide your head in the sand. You've got to get out and ask questions and learn as much as you can."

Wyoming County is home to four wind farms, and has more than 250 windmills in the towns of Eagle, Sheldon, Weathersfield and Orangeville. The windmills are placed in areas where crops are unable to grow. Wyoming County officials said the structures have not hampered farmers' or animals' routines.

Tresidder says right now there isn't any talk of wind energy coming to Oswego County, but that the county wants to take a proactive approach in case there is in the future. By gaining more knowledge about wind energy, she says Oswego County can put itself in a better position to help towns that may support or oppose the turbines.