Wind Power News: U.S.
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Willmar, Minn., wind turbines may be nearing end of their useful life
With the original manufacturer no longer in existence, it is becoming more and more difficult for Willmar Municipal Utilities to find replacement parts for its aging wind turbines. Willmar, Minnesota’s wind turbines, constructed and put into operation in 2009, may be close to the end of their useful lifespan to generate power for the city. The lifetime expectancy for the turbines was estimated to be 20 years when constructed. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find replacement parts needed . . . Complete story »
New Logan County wind farm draws threat of lawsuit
Beason, Ill (WAND TV) – The Logan County board has approved a proposed wind farm in a 5-4 vote, but opponents of that wind farm are considering legal action to stop the construction of dozens of wind turbines. Wind farms have been a spark to controversies burning in communities across the state. Kristen Petersen, part of the Logan County Residents Against the Top Hat Wind Factory group, believes the group will have strong grounds for appeal for the way a . . . Complete story »
After victory at the polls, anti-wind group evolving into Crawford Citizens United
A core group of Crawford Anti-Wind members have formed a new organization, saying they want to keep citizens informed on local issues. The Crawford Citizens United Facebook group was created Wednesday afternoon and within 24 hours, had 75 members. Crawford Anti-Wind was formed early this year as part of an effort to block development of Honey Creek Wind, a 300-megawatt industrial wind farm Apex Clean Energy planned to build in the northern half of Crawford County. On Nov. 8, voters . . . Complete story »
Offshore wind energy faces local backlash
Plenty of people in Ocean City, a popular beach community south of Atlantic City, are dead-set against a project proposed by Orsted and PSEG that still needs state approval to bring a power line onshore. “We don’t want this here in any way, shape or form,” said resident Suzanne Hornick, a leader of local opposition to the plan. She cites concerns about damage to the environment, the possibility of higher rates being charged to consumers, and the general lack of certainty about what is a brand new industry in this country. Complete story »
National Weather Service releases statement on proposed Logan County Wind Farm
Lincoln, Ill. (WCIA) – The day before a vote is scheduled to take place on a proposed Wind Farm in Logan County, WCIA received a statement from the National Weather Service on the issue. An initial statement was made clarifying questions WCIA had on how the wind turbines may or may not impact the National Weather Service Radar in Lincoln. Statement from the National Weather Service Office of Public Affairs in Silver Spring, Maryland On the Top Hat Wind Farm . . . Complete story »
Wind resistance
There’s no shortage of wind blowing across the Great Lakes. Turning that wind into energy could be a big step towards lowering carbon emissions in the region. And despite plenty of studies showing vast energy potential, the Great Lakes still don’t have any offshore turbines. That could soon change. A first-of-its-kind project has been approved for Lake Erie: six turbines, eight miles from the Cleveland shoreline. But it hasn’t come easy. Public opposition is the biggest barrier to building wind . . . Complete story »
Consumers Energy seeks “crippling” wind farm tax clawbacks from Tuscola County schools
Some Tuscola County school districts say they’re regretting their decision to enter into tax revenue agreements with Consumers Energy after the utility sought tax clawbacks related to wind turbine depreciation. Consumers Energy is suing more than a hundred schools, townships, and social service groups in Tuscola County, seeking about $8 million in tax clawbacks. More than a decade ago, the districts and other groups agreed to allow Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, and standalone wind energy companies like Next Energy to . . . Complete story »
Doppler dispute: Public weighs in on controversial wind farm proposal that could affect weather services
Lincoln, Ill. (NEXSTAR) – Chris Miller spent 20 years at the Lincoln National Weather Service office. He’s seen the impact that wind farms can have on doppler radar data. But one instance stands out in particular. The storm that made the 2018 Taylorville tornado passed right through a wind farm in northwest Macon county. “When it did that the doppler radar velocity images were corrupted, they were unusable for 15 minutes,” Miller said. Those fifteen minutes can make all the difference . . . Complete story »
Crawford Neighbors United hail vote
In what turned out to be a real life David versus Goliath saga, citizens in Crawford County, Ohio dealt a crushing defeat to a major energy corporation that had planned a wind power facility in portions of the county. Using a newly passed law known as Senate Bill 52, and in response to intense public pressure, commissioners earlier in the year had declared the County a “Restricted Area”, which prevented wind farm development of a large industrial scale. That in . . . Complete story »
Voters defeat Michigan wind energy project, toss supportive officials
Trufant, MI – Rural voters delivered a crushing blow to plans for a 375 megawatt wind farm in mid-Michigan, where several local renewable energy ordinances were defeated across three townships and multiple officials were thrown from office for supporting the project. On Tuesday, Nov. 8, midterm voters resoundingly rejected ordinances enabling the Montcalm Wind project by Apex Clean Energy, a developer attempting to erect 75 turbines on farmland in Montcalm County northeast of Grand Rapids. Zoning ordinances in Maple Valley, Douglass . . . Complete story »
