Wind Power News: Iowa
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.
The wind industry tackles trouble on two fronts
Renewable energy remains a polarizing issue. Political and customer pressure has power companies moving renewables to the “front burner.” Wind plays a big part in this mix as efficiency has increased and federal tax incentives help defer the cost of building infrastructure. Farmers now grow wind turbines and wheat in the same field. However, the harvest has ranged from “good times” to “buyer’s remorse.” It should be noted that Mid-American Energy helps fund Iowa Public Television, where Market to Market . . . Complete story »
A-W wind turbine removal may become budget item
What will it cost to remove the Akron-Westfield’s inoperable wind turbine from its site? According to A-W School Board Member Nick Mathistad, about $220,000: • $183,000 for disassembly and disposal of the wind turbine; and • $37,000 for foundation removal/disposal, dirt fill and seeding of site. “These are budget numbers, and the scope of work would be bid out at a later date if it comes to that,” Mathistad explained in a text to The Akron Hometowner. The wind turbine . . . Complete story »
Madison County OKs state’s first moratorium on wind, solar development
Renewable energy in Iowa hit new headwinds Tuesday as Madison County supervisors passed the state’s first moratorium on new wind turbine installations and Adair County leaders said they were considering capping the number of turbines in their county, effectively stopping new construction. Madison County supervisors voted 2-1 to approve their moratorium, which also applies to new solar energy installations. It is slated to run through October 2020 but could end earlier with the passage of a new ordinance, the supervisors . . . Complete story »
Madison County residents hope to stand up to wind energy
MADISON COUNTY, Iowa – After a lengthy debate over wind turbines in Madison County, the Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to temporarily halt new wind and solar projects for the next year. Mary Jobst, who agrees with the board’s decision, believes it is time to stand up to MidAmerican’s wind turbine projects. “All they care about is easements, acres and money. What about people?” Jobst said. Jobst and her husband are one of many who initially signed an easement for project . . . Complete story »
Wind, solar projects halted for one year in Madison County
WINTERSET, Iowa – A final vote was held Tuesday that halts wind and solar projects in Madison County for one year. The Board of Supervisors had already voted in favor of the moratorium twice. On Tuesday, a moratorium to pause construction of wind and solar projects for one year was passed. The Board passed the ordinance on a 2-1 vote. It bans all construction of wind turbines, wind farms and commercial solar energy systems in the county until October 2020. The . . . Complete story »
Industrial wind threatens Iowa’s great asset – the soil
Land is a tangible gift for your legacy. It is said that throughout history there are three indicators of wealth: land, cattle and gold. Many Americans can trace their family tree to European feudal times, when our forefathers had no land and no power. They were told where they could grow food, what to grow, where they could hunt, where or when they could travel, where they had to live, where to go to church. People belonged to the local . . . Complete story »
MidAmerican Energy plans to preserve bats and bald eagles at wind farms
DES MOINES – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced a habitat conservation plan proposed by MidAmerican Energy as the best solution to help preserve certain bat and eagle species at company wind farms. As part of the plan, MidAmerican Energy will establish conservation funds for statewide bat and eagle programs that will help bolster their populations. After public input and extensive evaluation, the Fish and Wildlife Service released its final environmental impact statement that concludes MidAmerican Energy’s habitat conservation . . . Complete story »
Alliant Energy proposes rate increase
Alliant Energy said the rate increase will help the company make investments in wind energy. Complete story »
County passes second reading on ‘health risk’ setbacks for wind turbines
WINTERSET, Iowa – Madison County Supervisors on Tuesday approved a second reading of a proposal to enforce wind turbine setbacks on solar energy projects. The proposal will get at third and final reading in two weeks. KCCI’s Tommie Clark has more from the Madison County Courthouse to explain today’s reading. Complete story »
Worker killed, another critically injured in Newton wind tower plant accident
NEWTON, Iowa – One worker was killed and another critically injured Saturday in an accident at a wind tower manufacturing plant in Newton. Fire Chief Jarrod Wellik said the Newton Fire Department responded to the Arcosa Wind Towers plant, at 801 N 19th Ave E., between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday because of an accident involving employees. Two employees were transported to metro hospitals, one by air ambulance. Arcosa spokesperson, Jeff Eller, tells Channel 13 one of those . . . Complete story »
