Wind Power News: Illinois
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.
United Citizens of Tazewell County address concerns over windfarms
The United Citizens of Tazewell County are working together to update plans when it comes to wind turbine projects. They want to make an ordinance that they said features everyone’s interests when constructing new Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS). “For better protection for all the neighbors living among the turbines,” said Amber Towle, who is one of the people proposing a new ordinance. As wind farms grow in Illinois, so do concerns The goal of proposing a new WECS ordinance . . . Complete story »
County board extends moratorium on wind farms
MONTICELLO – The Piatt County Board has placed a moratorium on the issuance of permits for wind energy systems until Aug. 1. The board voted 4-2 last Wednesday to put the moratorium in effect until August 1. Apex Clean Energy is proposing a 300 megawatt project that would include approximately 60 turbines. Apex officials expect to file the special use permit in the summer or fall. The county first placed a six-month moratorium on wind farm permits in March 2020, . . . Complete story »
Zoning board votes on wind power regulations
Several Washington County residents expressed opposition to a series of proposed green energy initiatives during the Washington County Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing Thursday night. About a dozen community members attended the meeting to voice their opinions on construction of wind turbines, called Wind Energy Conversion Systems, that have been proposed in parts of the county. County Zoning Administrator Matt Bierman addressed the attendees prior to the public comment to explain the draft ordinance being considered by the board. Bierman . . . Complete story »
Lee County launches survey on renewable energy projects
DIXON – Lee County is seeking the public’s input on renewable energy projects. The county is looking to amend its existing ordinances for wind energy systems and solar energy systems, as well as adopt an ordinance for battery energy storage systems. Looking for community feedback, the county is launching a survey on wind, solar and battery storage projects that will run from Sunday to May 21. The survey will be available online at the top of the homepage on the . . . Complete story »
County delays vote on wind farm amendment
MONTICELLO – Piatt County State’s Attorney Sarah Perry will work on writing new language for a proposed amendment designed to protect the interests of drainage districts during construction of wind farms. The Piatt County Board tabled a motion last week, to approve the amendment that had been previously recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals. “I think we have a lot to get right, here,” said County Board Member Shannon Carroll in explaining his motion to delay the vote. “This . . . Complete story »
Iowa regulators deny requests to halt construction of controversial power line
Iowa utility regulators say work can continue on a power line between Dubuque and Middleton despite a court order blocking the Mississippi River crossing. The Iowa Utilities Board on Tuesday denied petitions by power line opponents who sought to halt construction of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek project in light of a federal judge’s ruling that it could not cross the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Opponents argued that without the crossing the line cannot fulfill its purpose of . . . Complete story »
MET towers are just the start for more wind farms
My Name is Jani Wells and I’m a property owner and taxpayer in Neponset township. Before I begin my 5-minute plea for how the rest of my life is to be determined- I’d like to ask- and I think it’s a fair question. How many of you have already got your mind made up on how you’re going to vote on the MET towers? Because I have better things to do than waste it on a battle I have already . . . Complete story »
Bureau County Board allows construction of 3 MET towers in Macon Township
Following the recommendation of the Bureau County Zoning Board of Appeals with a 3-2 vote, the Bureau County Board voted in favor of allowing the construction of three temporary MET towers to be built in Macon Township. These towers are to be constructed by Leeward Renewable Energy Development and are required to be shorter than 200 feet and will be used to collect meteorological data for possible wind energy development moving forward. These towers will be located in the northwest . . . Complete story »
Wind energy company pleads guilty to killing eagles
The wind energy company ESI Energy Inc. (ESI) must pay more than $8 million in fines and restitution and serve a five-year probation after pleading guilty to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, according to a statement released by the United States Department of Justice. In the U.S., ESI is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Inc., one of the largest providers of renewable energy, per Reuters’ Barbara Goldberg. The company deliberately elected not to apply for proper permits for “any . . . Complete story »
Ruling on eagle deaths divides wind power industry
The sentencing of a wind energy company this week in the deaths of at least 150 eagles has brought renewed focus to the complicated relationship between wind turbines and birds. A subsidiary of NextEra Energy, the world’s biggest generator of wind and solar power, pleaded guilty to three deaths of bald and golden eagles in Wyoming and New Mexico. It also acknowledged that more than 100 other eagles had been killed across 50 of its 54 wind farms, primarily during . . . Complete story »
