Wind Power News: Illinois
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.
Lee County Board Chairman: Man broke law by recording meeting
DIXON – Lee County Board Chairman Jim Seeberg said Tuesday that he plans to press a felony charge against a resident who recorded a public meeting last week. Near the end of Tuesday’s board meeting, Seeberg said Franklin Grove resident John Kelley violated the law by recording last Wednesday’s meeting of the board’s Executive Committee, which Seeberg heads. Kelley said he recorded the meeting because members discussed a proposed wind energy ordinance, and residents are interested in the issue. After . . .
Woodford takes 2 votes on Minonk wind farm
EUREKA — Construction of the Minonk wind farm is proceeding as scheduled. But the Woodford County Board is giving the project’s developer a little less reassurance than it prefers. By a 7-6 vote Tuesday night, the board voted down an amendment that would codify Minonk Wind LLC’s exemption from wind-farm restrictions enacted in February. Later, the board voted 12-1 to adopt a resolution that incorporated the amendment text. “The practical effect is that it’s a little bit firmer,” Woodford County . . .
County officials earnestly tackle their wind farm studies
BOONE COUNTY – Five Boone County officials have rolled up their sleeves and energetically undertaken studies that ultimately may result in a revised set of regulations for wind farms. While they’re all members of the county board, they have agreed to take on these responsibilities in their capacities as members of the planning, zoning and building committee. They shared some of what they found April 4, during a committee meeting in the county administration building. Committee Chairman Marshall Newhouse gave . . .
Decision time on Lee County wind rules
DIXON – Eighteen months ago, Lee County started considering changes to its wind energy regulations. On Tuesday, that process could end – for now. In fall 2010, the Lee County Board formed an ad hoc committee to study wind energy issues. It was made up of members of the Zoning Board of Appeals and three other residents. After it completed its process 6 months later, the Zoning Board began drafting a new ordinance. It finished in February. The board didn’t . . .
Expert says wind foes dislike turbines’ looks; Professor gives ‘nonbiased’ presentation
MORRISON – Some wind farm opponents don’t want nearby turbines because they don’t like their looks, a university professor told an audience Thursday. But they don’t think that argument is good enough, so they find other reasons to justify their opposition, said David Loomis, director of Illinois State University’s Center for Renewable Energy. He and a colleague gave a 2-hour-plus presentation on the wind energy industry that was billed as “nonbiased,” but some questioned whether they were truly objective. The . . .
D300 takes wind out of power plan
ALGONQUIN — With little fanfare, the Community Unit School District 300 Board drove a spike into an intergovernmental agreement to develop wind energy to power its schools. However, a new intergovernmental agreement approved Monday night involving District 300 and Keeneyville Elementary School District 20 and Prospect Heights School District 23 — all three a part of the earlier wind energy consortium — will allow all three to save money on its future electricity costs. District 300 had formed the School . . .
Rankin regulates wind turbines near town
RANKIN — The village board has passed an ordinance to regulate the construction of wind turbines on farmland immediately outside Rankin’s corporate limits. The ordinance, approved 6-0 last Thursday, amends Rankin’s zoning code to give the village regulatory authority over commercial and private wind turbines within 1 1/2 miles of the town. Trustee Lynn Magers suggested the ordinance in February, saying she was personally concerned about possible “health issues” associated with wind turbines being built too close to homes. Vermilion . . .
Minonk wind farm investors want assurances from county
EUREKA — Construction on the Minonk Wind Farm is scheduled to begin in less than two weeks, but there is one more thing developers want done as soon as possible. Attorneys for the major investors want reassurance that recent changes in the county’s zoning ordinance concerning longer setbacks, more restrictions on shadow flicker and other factors will not affect the Minonk project. And they want it in writing, as a text amendment to the county ordinance. When approached about the . . .
Big crowd at wind debate no surprise for Whiteside County
ROCK FALLS – Debates over wind turbines can be passionate. Neighbors often don’t want turbines nearby. Others make money for leasing their land to wind companies. From Massachusetts to New Mexico, meetings on wind farms bring big crowds. And that’s the case in the Sauk Valley. Wednesday, the county Planning and Zoning Commission held a hearing that lasted 2 1/2 hours on a wind energy company’s proposal for nine turbines. About 70 people attended. The county appeared prepared. Usually, the . . .
A gamble for the townships?
Officials from Lee County’s Hamilton and Willow Creek townships want more restrictions on wind turbines. But their recent moves may be playing into the hands of the wind industry itself. Both townships have filed formal objections with the county to a proposed wind energy ordinance. Because of those protests, three-fourths of the Lee County Board must support the ordinance for passage, rather than the usual simple majority. While the townships dislike the proposal, it’s more restrictive than the county’s current . . .
