Gov. Patrick: I’d Back Wind Turbine Health Study

Gov. Deval Patrick says he would back a proposal calling for an "independent scientific study" of the health effects of wind turbines.

Critics of the massive energy-producing turbines say the sound and motion of the blades can cause health problems.

Patrick has made the expansion of renewable energy in Massachusetts a key goal of his administration.

Just this week the administration announced a plan to ban large producers of commercial food waste from throwing away their leftovers, requiring the waste food instead be sent to plants that can convert it into renewable energy.

Responding to a caller on his monthly radio on WGBH-FM, Patrick said he's "not going to object to an independent scientific study" of wind turbines.

A bill currently before lawmakers would create a special commission to investigate adverse health impacts from turbines.

[Associated Press]