March 28, 2019
Kansas, Letters

Wake up Reno County

The Hutchinson News | Mar 28, 2019 | www.hutchnews.com

Rural living, as it currently exists, is being threatened by the possible construction of an extensive wind energy conversion complex in southeast Reno county.

This encroachment by an out-of-state, Fortune 200 company poses life-altering, long-lasting repercussions that will impact the population of Reno County for generations to come.

I am not opposed to wind energy. I do take issue in allowing a large industrialized operation to come in on a densely populated rural area and build massive, commercial sites when “world-class” wind is abundantly available in less populated areas of our state.

A moratorium, proposed earlier in this process to allow valuable time to compile and research information regarding this green power, was negated. Expression of public opinion is currently being narrowed to the Reno County Planning and Zoning Commission in written form only. Construction of an 80-plus wind turbine farm by the Pretty Prairie Wind, LLC in the midst of a farming community is an issue that will affect and potentially alter the lives of many residents.

At the minimum, comprehensive impact studies on the economy, environment, and health risks need to be assembled, thoroughly researched and addressed before this “next era” comes crashing down around us.

Whether your residence or property is directly located in close proximity to a 500-foot-wind turbine or not, the people of Reno County need to become aware of what is happening, fully educate themselves, contact their elected representatives, and become involved. We are all affected, rural or urban, directly or indirectly, when outside entities are allowed to intrude on our lives and dominate our horizons.

Jane Tolin

Haven


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2019/03/28/wake-up-reno-county/