May 15, 2018
Blogs, Minnesota

We won!!! ALJ recommend Freeborn permit be denied, or …

WE WON!!! ALJ Recommend Freeborn Permit be DENIED, or … | May 14th, 2018, Carol Overland, legalectric.org

Bottom line:

STATEMENT OF ISSUE

Has Freeborn Wind satisfied the requirements in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216F and the criteria set forth in section 216E.03, subdivision 7, and Minnesota Rule 7854.0500 for a Site Permit for the proposed Project?

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

The Administrative Law Judge concludes that Freeborn Wind has failed to demonstrate that the proposed Project will meet the requirements of Minn. R. 7030.0040, the applicable Minnesota Noise Standards. Therefore, the Administrative Law Judge respectfully recommends that the Commission either deny Freeborn Wind’s Application for a Site Permit, or in the alternative, provide Freeborn Wind with a period of time to submit a plan demonstrating how it will comply with Minnesota’s Noise Standards at all times throughout the footprint of the Freeborn Wind Project.

This was the first ever contested case for a wind permit in the state of Minnesota, which has sited many, many wind projects. Finally they’re doing it right, under the Power Plant Siting Act. AND in this first ever contested case in Minnesota, the Administrative Law Judge has just recommended that the permit be denied, or Freeborn Wind show how it would comply. LIKE WOW! Is this exciting or what!

Here’s the ALJ’s full Recommendation to the Public Utilities Commission:

OAH+80-2500-34633+Final+Order

Noise is real, and Minnesota has been lax about siting. That will change!

Next stop, the Public Utilities Commission! Can’t wait!

YEAAAAAAAA!


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/05/15/we-won-alj-recommend-freeborn-permit-be-denied-or/