Wind Power News: Kansas
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.
A blustery response
The average reader of the Hillsboro Star-Journal of Sept. 11 would look at the headline, “County wind powers state fair” and might think, “wow, that’s great. Boy, these wind turbines are really worthwhile.” However, although the article may be mostly straight forward information, the headline is at the least misleading, and at the worst, flat-out deceptive. The average reader may read the headline and a line or two before turning the page. But a careful reading makes the reader go, . . . Complete story »
Open houses planned for Southwest Missouri wind project
Two open houses are planned this week for a portion of a 600-megawatt wind project to be built in Southwest Missouri. “(Attendees) can learn more about a wind farm, what the construction phase is like, just get some questions answered,” said Timberly Ross, spokesperson for Tenaska, the company constructing the turbines. Liberty Utilities-Empire District this summer received the needed regulatory approval to go forward with the project, which was announced in 2017. The project represents an investment of more than . . . Complete story »
More discussion, no decision on wind project moratorium
ERIE – A proposed moratorium on wind power development failed again at Thursday’s Neosho County Commission meeting, and the wind discussion also spilled into the budget hearing. This time, the moratorium was proposed by Commission Chair Gail Klaassen. The motion died without a second once again, although Commissioner Paul Westhoff has previously proposed a moratorium multiple times. Klaassen’s proposal would have covered the entire county for one year after passage and would have exempted the Neosho Ridge Wind project currently . . . Complete story »
Man to talk to county about wind farms
OSWEGO – Labette County commissioners later this month will hear concerns from a rural Oswego man concerned about site placement for wind farms, especially if they get developed in Labette County. Mel Hass visited with county commissioners Monday during the public comment period. Hass also spoke to the Parsons Planning Commission in August about its potential regulation of wind farms in the 3-mile area around Parsons. Planners agreed to restrict wind turbines in the area to 200 feet tall, which would . . . Complete story »
First hearing scheduled in Pretty Prairie Wind lawsuit
A Reno County judge has finally scheduled a hearing in the lawsuit filed in July by NextEra Energy and some 69 landowners challenging the denial of a conditional-use permit for a proposed wind farm in the southeast quadrant of Reno County. The hearing, set for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30 before District Judge Tim Chambers, however, is just to determine whether 18 landowners who filed protest petitions against the Pretty Prairie Wind permit can join the lawsuit as defendants. Attorneys for . . . Complete story »
Planners recommend wind farm ban near city
The public will have a chance to weigh in on a proposed ban of commercial wind turbines in the area surrounding Parsons during an Oct. 15 public hearing. The Parsons Planning Commission voted 5-1 in a special meeting Thursday evening to recommend the city commission approve an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would limit the height of wind turbines to 200 feet, including blade length, in the extraterritorial area. The planners didn’t want an outright ban of all turbines . . . Complete story »
Civil suit dismissed, fight not over with wind farm
Proponents of a wind farm project in the south-central part of Marion County received a favorable nod from the district court on its motion to dismiss a civil suit filed in mid-May. Patrick Pelstring, president of Expedition Wind LLC, said the company, and the more than 100 landowners involved in the project, were pleased with the ruling on Aug 23 by Judge Steven Hornbaker, Marion County Eighth Judicial District. “The court confirmed that the Doyle conditional use permits issued for . . . Complete story »
Who controls the narrative?
As I was reading the Aug. 7 windfarm article, and the minimization of adverse effects of health and safety, economics, and property values expounded on by Mr. Neeld there was a very clear narrative that emerged that is being given to our community. This narrative sounds reassuring, but is it true? Just a few thoughts to consider. In regards to Health, in recent developments The Madison County Board of Health (Iowa) in August 2019 “Resolved that the Madison County Board . . . Complete story »
Planners to talk about wind turbines
Planners this week will discuss a zoning amendment to restrict or ban commercial wind energy conversion systems in the area surrounding Parsons. The Parsons Planning Commission will have a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the commission room at the Parsons Municipal Building. Concerned about the possibility of 600-foot wind turbines encroaching on the city limits, City Commissioner Tom Shaw urged the city staff to have the planners consider restrictions in the 3-mile extraterritorial zone. Labette County has no . . . Complete story »
Judge dismisses lawsuit to block wind farm plans
A district judge has dismissed with prejudice a lawsuit seeking to block development of a wind farm in Marion County. The lawsuit, originally filed May 16, was against wind farm developer Expedition Wind, the board of county commissioners, and the county clerk. A dismissal with prejudice means the plaintiffs cannot bring another lawsuit based on the same claims. Patrick Pelstring, manager of Expedition Wind, said he and the more than 100 landowner families are pleased with the ruling. “The court . . . Complete story »
