October 18, 2016
Tennessee

Dozens protest wind farm in Cumberland County

By Brandon Rook | WATE 6 | Published: October 17, 2016 | wate.com

James Martin and dozens of others say wind turbines don’t belong in their area.

“We’re saving the beauty of the Cumberland Plateau. We don’t want any turbines in Cumberland County,” said Martin.

They’re protesting because they’re concerned and they aren’t going to be quiet about it.

“We intend to keep putting it in the commissioners’ face,” he said.

They feel like the Crab Orchard Wind Farm Project is wrong for the community. Apex Clean Energy plans to fill this area of the county with 20 to 23 wind turbines. Apex says it will create 100 jobs and lots of tax revenue for the company, but some say it will bring potential health risks and it will be an eyesore.

“We want them to withdraw the project and look for an alternative location,” said Jay McCarthy, who lives in the area.

During Monday night’s commission meeting, lots of people brought that message to lawmakers. County commissioner Woody Geisler says commissioners have a big role in deciding if this goes through, but at this point, they refuse to take a stance.

However, Geisler is sure about his thoughts.

“I’m 100 percent against it. I would like to see this settled and have Apex go find some other place to do their work,” he said.

Geisler also added he doesn’t know when a decision will be made on if lawmakers will allow for this project to go through. Apex says they plan to begin construction on the project next year.

Senator Lamar Alexander also opposes the idea of bringing a wind farm to Cumberland County. Protestors say they will continue to fight until a decision is made.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/10/18/dozens-protest-wind-farm-in-cumberland-county/