Proximity to a wind power
project does not generally hurt property values, according to a new
report that seeks to settle a long-standing concern with the technology.
The study, released yesterday by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
assessed nearly 7,500 single-family houses and applied statistical
methods and 10 different pricing models to draw its conclusions.
Homes included in the analysis were located near 24 wind-power facilities
in nine states, and ranged from 800 feet to 10 miles from the nearest
wind facility. The home sales examined took place between 1996 and
2007, extending from before projects were announced to after
construction was completed and full operation was under way,
researchers said.