Wind Power News: Missouri
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.
State approves wind farm tax zones
Maryville, Mo. — It took about four months longer than predicted, but the Missouri Department of Economic Development has finally approved two Enhanced Enterprise Zones designed to attract wind turbine construction countywide as well as promote various other kinds of industrial growth in the Elmo-Clearmont-Burlington Junction area. In a pair of letters released to the Daily Forum Tuesday by Nodaway County Economic Development, DED Director Jason R. Hall authorized the designation of both the Nodaway County EEZ and the Northwest . . .
City considers entering deal for wind power
The Columbia Water and Light Department has drawn up a contract with a Florida-based renewable energy provider to purchase wind energy from Iowa, and the deal will be presented to the Columbia City Council for a first reading tonight at its regular meeting. If the contract is approved, the city would enter into a 20-year deal with NextEra Energy Resources LLC to split with the University of Missouri 21 megawatts of wind power from the Crystal Lake III Wind Energy . . .
Groups spar over Missouri’s green energy future
There’s a battle afoot to reshape Missouri’s green energy law. Renewable energy advocates and utilities are squaring off to establish how much of Missouri’s electricity is derived from renewable resources — with the cost to consumers in the balance. Renew Missouri, the group formed several years ago to advance the state’s existing renewable energy initiative, known as Proposition C, plans to go back to voters this fall and ask them to mandate more wind and solar power. The utility industry . . .
Carnahan denies conflict over Missouri renewable-energy ballot measure
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan says the state’s attorney general’s office agrees that there is no conflict of interest in her office promoting renewable energy, even though her brother is an investor in a wind-energy production company. State Rep. Jay Barnes, a Republican from Jefferson City, asked Carnahan to recuse her office from writing a ballot summary on the proposed initiative to seek an increase in the use of renewable energy sources for electricity in the . . .
Dispute still stands as Wind Capital pays up
What appeared to be an early Christmas present has turned into an unholy mess, as Wind Capital Group dropped off its property tax payment to DeKalb County on Thursday. Receiving two checks totaling $1,967,572, delivered to the DeKalb County Courthouse by Stephen Bode, Wind Capital Group operations manager, county officials aren’t sure if they can distribute any of it. Though the attitudes remain heated between the county and wind farm company, which runs the Lost Creek Wind Farm, over a . . .
More renewable energy sought in Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY — A newly proposed Missouri ballot initiative seeks to increase the amount electricity coming from renewable energy sources while giving new power to the state’s official consumer advocate to make sure the standards are implemented. The measure would enhance a renewable energy mandate enacted by Missouri voters in 2008. If it is approved for circulation and garners enough petition signatures, it would appear on the 2012 ballot. But the initiative already is sparking some controversy. State Rep. Jay . . .
Kansas regulators OK power line from wind farms to Missouri, points east
A Houston-based company has received initial approval from Kansas regulators to develop a high-voltage transmission line across the state to carry electricity from wind farms to Missouri and states farther east. The Kansas Corporation Commission this week approved an application from Clean Line Energy Partners to do business as a public utility in Kansas. The KCC decision is a big step in the company’s efforts to get regulatory approval in three states to build a $2 billion, 700-mile transmission line . . .
Show-Me State showing alternate energy promise
When it comes to renewable energy, Missouri usually isn’t seen as a major player especially when compared to neighboring Kansas. The Show-Me state produces wind energy but isn’t among the states ranked as having the best potential like Kansas. Missouri fares better when it comes to solar energy but is still viewed as being a step behind. Missouri utilities are even looking outside of the state to help meet a mandate to use more renewable energy. But if you’re planning . . .
Lost Creek Wind Farm: the cost of clean air
DEKALB, Mo. – DeKalb County and Wind Capital Group are at odds over the tax revenue the county will receive. Wind Capital’s first payment to DeKalb is due by the end of the year. Now, the two are working to settle on a cost for clean air. “This is the first year the wind towers have been on the county books,” said DeKalb County Assessor, Ruth Ross. However, Wind Capital Group and the county continue to debate over what is . . .
Wind Capital wants to pay its ‘fair share’ of taxes
Following harsh statements made by officials in DeKalb County, a St. Louis-based wind company has responded to allegations of avoiding paying taxes. Answering claims that DeKalb County’s Lost Creek wind farm was low-balling the county, Wind Capital Group has called the allegations false. “Wind Capital Group believes very strongly in paying its fair share of property taxes and has agreed to pay more in property taxes on the Lost Creek Project than has ever been paid on a wind energy . . .
