December 5, 2018
Illinois

Judge denies wind-farm developer’s request for injunction on township’s rules

Tim Mitchell | The News-Gazette | 12/04/2018 | www.news-gazette.com

TUSCOLA – Organizers of the planned Harvest Ridge Wind Farm said they were disappointed in a judge’s decision not to issue a preliminary injunction against a township’s efforts to block its construction.

But representatives from EDP Renewables said the decision won’t deter their efforts to ultimately proceed with the 200-megawatt farm in northeastern Douglas County.

During a hearing Tuesday in Douglas County Circuit Court, Judge John Kennedy denied a motion by EDP for injunctive relief against Murdock Township’s efforts to enforce wind-energy zoning in the township.

Kennedy said EDP did not meet the burden of showing the requirements for a preliminary injunction.

“The judge provided positive comments regarding the legal merits of the overall case,” said Harvest Ridge Project Manager Amy Kurt. “However, he denied the temporary and preliminary relief requested by EDP Renewables.”

Kurt described Tuesday’s hearing as only the first step of a multistep legal process.

EDP Executive Vice President Ryan Brown said he anticipates the court will ultimately “determine that Murdock Township’s zoning ordinance does not apply to the Harvest Ridge Wind Farm.”

“In the meantime, we will continue to develop the project in accordance with existing Douglas County guidelines,” he said. “We look forward to constructing the project in 2019 and generating clean energy and providing local benefits to Douglas County for years to come.”

Douglas County Circuit Clerk Julie Mills said additional court dates have not yet been set.

Kurt said the Harvest Ridge Wind Farm will create up to 250 jobs during its construction and eight to 10 permanent jobs once it opens.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/12/05/judge-denies-wind-farm-developers-request-for-injunction-on-townships-rules/