August 27, 2014
Oklahoma

Wind farm plans prompt class-action lawsuit

Aug 27, 2014 | www.koco.com

Rising from the Oklahoma plains, they’re impossible to miss. Every turn, bringing more clean energy; every fan, more fear for Brent Robinson.

“We’re talking 300 plus, 500-foot tall structures going up in a pretty populated area,” said Robinson.

The turbines come courtesy of Apex Clean Energy’s two new wind farms. Both are set to stretch just east of Kingfisher and Okarche counties and both led to a class-action lawsuit against the company.

“We feel like our voice hasn’t been quite heard,” said Robinson. “They are basically encroaching on our property and with the health issues that are out there now, it’s a big concern.”

The lawsuit cites insomnia, vertigo, and possible seizures as just a few health concerns, on top of decreased property values from future turbines. Now, plaintiffs are asking for at least a 3-mile barrier from the fans to property lines. It’s a big difference from the quarter-mile gap Robinson may soon face.

“A reasonable setback from property lines, that what we’re asking,” Robinson said. “We have families moving out there and we have families putting their lives on hold who are waiting to see how this outcome goes.”

KOCO News contacted Apex Clean Energy today by email and phone. The company has yet to respond.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/08/27/wind-farm-plans-prompt-class-action-lawsuit/