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 are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Alliant gets approval for latest 500 MW wind project
CEDAR RAPIDS – Alliant Energy has been given the green light to increase the utility’s wind expansion efforts by another 500 megawatts. Combined with ongoing wind expansion in western Iowa, Alliant officials say they expect to add 1,000 megawatts of wind energy – enough to power 430,000 Iowa homes – by 2020. When complete, Alliant’s wind energy production would equal about one-third of the utility’s total Iowa capacity. The Iowa Utilities Board on Tuesday gave final approval to Alliant’s proposed $890,000 New Wind . . . Complete story »
Dispute over proposed wind farm in Black Hawk County
Neighbors are clashing in the debate over a possible wind farm in Black Hawk County. Tuesday, a special permit for the proposed wind farm was passed by the Black Hawk County Planning and Zoning Commission. Dozens of people on both sides of the issue spoke for several hours on the subject. People had to wait in the hall because there wasn’t enough room in the meeting chambers. The proposed Washburn Wind Energy, LLC farm would be the 16th Iowa wind . . . Complete story »
Black Hawk County zoning board endorses controversial wind farm
WATERLOO – The Black Hawk County Planning and Zoning Commission has endorsed a controversial wind energy project in farm fields southeast of Hudson. Commission members voted 4-2 Tuesday after nearly four hours of debate to recommend approving the 70-megawatt, 35-turbine Washburn Wind Energy project being developed by DeSoto-based RPM Access. The county Board of Adjustment is expected to hold another hearing Tuesday and cast a final vote on the measure. The Waterloo council chambers were packed beyond capacity for the public . . . Complete story »
Conservationists worry federal deregulation could pose threat to migratory birds
A rollback of federal rules on migratory birds has conservationists worried. The federal government has announced it will stop prosecuting companies that accidentally kill species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They fear the changes could pave the way for industrial developments that pose a threat to the species in Iowa. The hundred-year-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act came about after over-harvesting drove some birds, including the passenger pigeon, to extinction. The law now protects over 1000 species, from the . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines
It was interesting to see only Jerry Steimel was quoted in the April 15 article “Wind Farm Showdown This Week.” Steimel complains about how much he lost in actual farming in the past few years and that, therefore, is his reason for allowing wind turbines on his land. He also said he would not allow the turbines if they interfered with his GPS equipment and hog finishing operations. He allowed hog finishing facilities on his land a few years ago . . . Complete story »
Humboldt supervisors continue to hammer out wind tower ordinance
DAKOTA CITY – The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors continued work on a wind tower ordinance at Monday’s meeting and set the first reading for May 7. Wind towers have been discussed at several board meetings and workshops. County Attorney Jon Beaty said he has been working on an ordinance for five months. He presented the board with a revised ordinance Monday. “I understand this is not an easy process, but I’ve put in whatever you have asked,” he said. The . . . Complete story »
Wind Farm showdown this week
WATERLOO – RPM Access has spent two years working on plans for Black Hawk County’s first industrial wind farm. A group of property owners opposed to turbines towering in fields near their homes have been preparing nearly as long to stop it. Both sides will square off this week when the county Planning and Zoning Board holds a public hearing and makes a recommendation on whether the Washburn Wind Energy project should be built. Seating is expected to be at a . . . Complete story »
Wind farm opponents organizing
HUDSON – Opponents of the Washburn Wind Energy project are preparing for battle at a key public hearing next week. More than 100 residents met in the Hudson High School Auditorium on Tuesday to hear members of Cedar Valley Citizens for Responsible Wind Energy voice their concerns about the planned 35-turbine wind farm in southern Black Hawk County. “I understand the wind people are out and have done a good job selling their story to the farmers and offering a fair . . . Complete story »
Madison County homeowners worried about wind farm proposal
MADISON COUNTY – Thousands of homeowners might have wind turbines as their new neighbors. There is already one wind farm in the county, but a second one is being talked about. A lot of community members say the massive turbines don’t look good on their property and are hurting the value of their homes. There is already one wind farm in Madison County, which spreads across the townships of Walnut and Lincoln. But Tuesday night, community members gathered in Winterset . . . Complete story »
Black Hawk County gets wind farm application
WATERLOO – A formal application has been submitted for a proposed 35-turbine wind farm in southern Black Hawk County. Washburn Wind Energy LLC, a subsidiary of DeSoto-based RMP Access, filed a request Tuesday with county zoning officials seeking a special permit to operate the 70-megawatt wind energy generation project. The plans already have generated vocal opposition from Cedar Valley Citizens for Responsible Wind Energy, a group of land owners in the area concerned about the impact the turbines will have on . . . Complete story »
