November 15, 2011
Minnesota

Goodhue County rejects potential wind lawsuit

By Brett Boese, The Post-Bulletin, postbulletin.com 15 November 2011

RED WING – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Monday refused to reconsider its permit for the AWA Goodhue wind project, starting a 20-day countdown during which interested parties may file an appeal with the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The dominoes have already begun to fall.

After a long discussion on Tuesday, the Goodhue County Board on a 2-2 vote rejected its opportunity to file for an appeal, reversing course from its September decision to do exactly that. Commissioner Richard Samuelson was not present, and a vote requires majority for approval.

The decision was widely panned by a standing-room only audience, including three other groups who might file suit. The Coalition for Sensible Siting and Goodhue Wind Truth, local groups opposed to the wind project, are expected to continue the fight in court. Belle Creek Township must schedule a special meeting to vote in order to comply with the deadline.

“I’m a little disappointed in the county’s decision to basically give up in the ninth inning,” Belle Creek Township chairman Chad Ryan said.

The township’s decision is critically important to the opposition groups. Find out why in Wednesday’s print edition.

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URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/15/goodhue-county-rejects-potential-wind-lawsuit/