Wind Power News: Texas
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Wind farm plans frustrating Kleberg County residents
RIVIERA — Residents in Riviera aren’t thrilled about the plans for two wind farms to fill up their property According to Kleberg County Judge Juan Escobar, the county hasn’t picked the specific locations yet. But locals are saying otherwise. “There’s a lot of areas around here, full of wide open spaces that they could put these windmills instead of in our subdivision,” one resident said. According to residents the turbines will go up in about 4 weeks if everything goes . . .
Sinton ISD sues city over wind turbine project, cites open meeting violations
CORPUS CHRISTI — The Sinton Independent School District has sued the city of Sinton over plans to install two wind turbines at the high school campus. The lawsuit, filed Monday, asks a state district judge for an injunction allowing the turbine project to move forward. The district wants to build the turbines for energy savings and math and science lessons, but time may be running out. A $974,000 federal grant being used to pay for the bulk of the project . . .
Hearing for proposed Riviera wind farm set for Wednesday
RIVIERA — A group opposed to a proposed wind farm near Riviera is urging area residents to attend a public hearing Wednesday to ask Kleberg County commissioners to oppose the project. Kingsville already passed a resolution stating its opposition to the wind farm, citing worries that it could interfere with radar at area military bases, rendering them more vulnerable to closure when the Defense Department reassesses its inventory of bases. South Texans for Sensible Wind Farm Siting urges residents to . . .
Kingsville officials oppose wind farm near Riviera; Navy says impact will be minimal
Kingsville city officials are opposing a planned wind farm near Riviera over fears that the turbines would interfere military radar, but a Navy base commander said he is pleased with steps the developer took to reduce conflicts. Defense budget cuts have renewed worries that installations in the Coastal Bend could be shuttered in the next round of base closures. Kingsville officials are trying to prevent turbine developments that would make Naval Air Station Kingsville less attractive as a training ground . . .
City Council attorney: Panel can’t overturn decision rejecting Sinton High School wind turbine project
SINTON — A controversial wind turbine project never made it to a vote at the Sinton City Council on Tuesday night after the council’s attorney said state law doesn’t give them authority to overturn the decision of a city board. The Sinton school district wants to build two turbines for math and science education and energy savings at its high school campus. The city’s Board of Adjustment rejected the plan Feb. 21. Attorney James McKibben said the district’s only recourse . . .
Sinton council to reconsider wind turbine project
CORPUS CHRISTI — A controversial wind turbine project at Sinton High School could move forward if the City Council approves it tonight. Two city boards initially rejected the plan Feb. 21 when they voted to deny the school district’s request for variances to the city’s wind turbine ordinance. The council will consider overturning those decisions. Councilwoman Linda Guzman-Alaniz said she changed her mind about the project after a trip to see one of the turbines in person. School officials invited . . .
Nature report: threatening turbines raise concerns
An environmental impact statement or EIS has been ordered by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to assess the potential impact of a massive wind turbine industrial complex proposed by Baryonyx Corporation just offshore from South Padre Island in 41,000 acres of Gulf of Mexico waters leased from the state of Texas. Thus far, no offshore wind farms have been built in the United States and many citizens believe that offshore from South Padre is the worst place in . . .
Public meeting slated for proposed SPI wind farm
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has taken charge of a proposed wind farm that Baryonyx Corporation Inc., an Austin-based company with roots in Great Britain, wants to build off the coast of South Padre Island. The corps has scheduled the first public meeting on the project for March 28 in Brownsville, according to a notice in the Federal Register published March 14. Public comments will be accepted through May 14. The purpose of the meeting is to help determine . . .
Reinvestment zone for Potter County wind farm
Potter County has been asked to create a reinvestment zone that would allow a wind farm to come into the area. “Of course we are very excited about the economic impact it will have on our economy,” said Potter County Commissioner Joe Kirkwood. It is the High Majestic Wind II, and it will have 51 turbines capable of producing 79.6 megawatts of wind energy. “A megawatt is enough to power about 350 average households,” said AJ Swope with Class4Winds. So . . .
Army Corps launches study of proposed South Texas offshore wind farms
CORPUS CHRISTI — The Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for an environmental study of a proposed offshore wind farm poised to become the first in Texas. The first public meeting on the project is planned for March 28 in Brownsville. The Corps is accepting public comments that will help define the scope of its environmental study, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2014. Environmental groups are tracking the project and have raised concerns about the . . .
