September 11, 2012
Wisconsin

Grothman to introduce wind farm legislation

Written by SheboyganDaily.com Staff on September 10, 2012 | www.sheboygandaily.com

MADISON – State Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) announced he would introduce legislation in January freezing the renewable requirements for Wisconsin utilities at 2012 levels.

This, after concerns were raised about a plan by Emerging Energies of Wisconsin Services, LLC to build the Windy Acres Wind Farm in the Town of Sherman, located in southwestern Sheboygan County.

“The ten percent renewable portfolio standard imposed on Wisconsin utilities in 2006 was a mistake. Wisconsin utilities are primarily meeting this standard through windmills. This is raising the cost of electricity at a time Wisconsin families are struggling to make ends meet. Worse, it is tearing at the fabric of Wisconsin communities
when new windmills are proposed. Credible cases of health problems are brought forth together with stories of lower property values,” said Grothman.

Senator Grothman added, “As overall power usage goes up, utilities will have to use more and more windmills. Freezing the amount needed at 2012 levels should stop this demand. It would be alright to get rid of the standard altogether, but that is not viable at this time. It should be pointed out that all major utilities have already largely met the standard for 2012. I feel confident that such a bill would pass and put an end to the market for new, divisive windmills in this state.”

The Windy Acres Wind Farm would be located near Highway 57 and County Road A.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/09/11/grothman-to-introduce-wind-farm-legislation/