Ruling reopens wind energy debate in Calumet County
Court voids Calumet’s wind turbine policy
CHILTON — A wind energy debate that’s turned neighbor against neighbor in Calumet County took a new turn last week through 13 pages prepared by a three-judge panel.
A county ordinance that regulated wind turbines is no longer valid, according the state Court of Appeals.
Officials said it’s too early to tell what the decision will mean to the future of wind energy in Calumet County. However, supporters and opponents say one thing is for certain: debate over placement of wind turbines is bound to escalate once again.
It seemed things were healing, said Ron Dietrich, a spokesman for Calumet County Citizens for Responsible Energy. The group organized in opposition to large-scale wind operations.
“The court picked off that scab,” he said.
The 2nd District Court of Appeals in Waukesha on Wednesday invalidated Calumet County’s wind turbine ordinance, which dictated required setbacks and maximum heights and sound levels for those aiming to use turbines to harness wind energy.
The court found that Calumet County exceeded its authority in creating a broad and restrictive ordinance that went against laws crafted by the state Legislature in support of alternative energy systems.
The decision is expected to affect counties and communities across the state that passed similar measures.
Calumet County has been identified as one of the best places in Wisconsin for high wind speeds, given its location along the Niagara Escarpment.
In response to the ruling, the Calumet County Board will vote Tuesday night on whether to set a moratorium on construction until either the end of the year or a new ordinance is created.
“Without a moratorium, landowners and developers might seek to rush projects to construction before the legislative process can be further completed by the county,” the proposal says.
County Board Chairman Bill Barribeau said county officials quickly began discussions on possible responses to the appellate opinion.
By Jim Collar
Staff Writer
19 July 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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