January 6, 2015
Ohio

Local group continues fight against windmills

Norwalk Reflector | Jan 6, 2015 | www.norwalkreflector.com

The following press release was sent to the Reflector by Greenwich Neighbors United:
Greenwich Neighbors United, a group of property owners who oppose the Greenwich Windpark, are hopeful that changes in the state regulatory climate and uncertainty on tax credits from the federal government will stop the Greenwich Windpark from moving forward.

During 2014, the Ohio legislature passed several laws which impact wind development in this state. SB 310 which was signed into law in June, places a two-year freeze on state standards for renewable energy and energy efficiency. It also established a study committee which will be active in 2015 to look at additional changes to the prior mandate. HB 483 increased the minimum setback requirements between wind turbines and adjacent property owners. Prior to the enactment of HB 483, the turbine had to be 1,125 feet from an inhabited structure on neighbor’s property. The new law requires the turbine to be at least 1,125 feet from the neighboring property line.

In addition, the wind farm developers continue to face uncertainty in regard to the renewable-energy production tax credit. Prior to Congress adjourning in 2014, the tax credit was extended, but only for 2014. The wind developers have no guarantee that it will be extended for 2015 or beyond.

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) granted the application for rehearing, filed by OMEGA Crop Corporation (Case #13-990-EL-BGN) in October, after receiving an outpouring on opposition from the community and local and state officials. The case is still pending at the OPSB. Chairman Ledet is pleased with the developments around the state and at the national level, and urges all the neighbors to continue to talk to their policymakers about the concerns of the Greenwich Windpark. Ledet said, “GNU will keep the community updated on developments through education materials, upcoming meetings, and through our website, and other social media. Our fight is far from over.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/01/06/local-group-continues-fight-against-windmills/