August 21, 2012
California

Windmill maps revealed

www.kget.com 20 August 2012

It’s a battle that has been years in the making, pitting big energy against homeowners.

On Monday night, the county showed off the latest map that illustrates where wind turbines are allowed to be built in the Tehachapi area.

It was a heated meeting, at times, with residents, some for and some against, voicing their concerns to the Kern County Planning and Community Development Director about the increasing number of windmills going up.

It’s been a heated topic ever since these giant windmills started to dot the landscape in Tehachapi and surrounding areas.

Many residents like that the county is looking at the possibility of limiting wind farm growth.

“I think it’s bittersweet. I think the county is making a huge effort to get under control the production of wind energy. At least the studies are in. At least they are looking at these areas, I mean it’s better than nothing.” said April Biglay with The Friends of Sand Canyon.

But, then there are people who want to be able to install turbines on their property, but are left outside the box.

“We want to do it at a point that is reasonable that gives us a stream of income so that we can continue to do what our ranch has been doing. And, the only difference between us and the people who got permitted is that they did it yesterday and we want to do it today or tomorrow,” said Phil Wyman, a left out property owner.

Right now, the Kern County Planning Department is taking all public comments and adding them to a map to spell out all the options to the Board of Supervisors.

“The Board of Supervisors is going to consider this on September 25th at 2 p.m. This map is my recommendation to the board, but as you can see there are a lot of different opinions. And, I am going to be seeking direction from the board to see what they want me to do with this map,” said Lorelei Oviatt, Director of Kern County Planning and Community Development.

If you missed the meeting, you have another chance Tuesday at the Mojave Veterans Hall, and in Twin Oaks on August 25th.

The Board of Supervisors will hear the matter in their afternoon meeting on September 25th.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/08/21/windmill-maps-revealed/