February 6, 2015
Colorado

After lengthy meeting, commissioners approve change to controversial wind farm project

After lenghty meeting, commissioners approve change to controversial wind farm project | KRDO.com Staff | www.krdo.com

CALHAN, Colo. – El Paso County Commissioners have voted to approve changes to a controversial wind farm project in eastern El Paso County.

The vote came late Thursday night following a marathon meeting that started at 9 a.m and ended close to midnight.

The four commissioners who were present for the vote Thursday night voted in favor of approving the change. One commissioner was absent.

The project, headed by NextEra Energy Resources was approved in 2013. It covers about 23,000 acres of land and includes between 126 and 145 turbines and a 29-mile transmission lines.

The approved changes include fewer turbines and moving some underground transmission lines to go above ground instead.

Some residents oppose the project.

“I’m worried about water to my property, I’m worried about my property value going down, I didn’t move out to the country and buy this land for this to happen,” Sean Cross said.

In addition to property values, residents worry about health issues and water use.

But the company said there won’t be negative impacts to health or property values. It said the project will produce clean, renewable energy, create jobs and boost the economy. It promises money in tax payments, payments to landowners, the county and schools.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/02/06/after-lengthy-meeting-commissioners-approve-change-to-controversial-wind-farm-project/