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.
‘I don’t care about their personal choice’: Future of wind farm in Republic County in doubt
The fight over whether to allow a wind farm to move in next door is splitting another Kansas county down the middle. Dozens of families in Republic County are the latest to fight over a proposed NextEra wind farm moving in. Many say they’re worried the 650-foot-tall turbines will hurt their farms and damage their way of life. Some don’t want the farms at all. “I’m not going to stand here and talk about my personal choice to put these . . . Complete story »
Kansas wind turbine hearing stirs up debate
Osage County (KSNT) – Osage County hosted a public hearing Thursday night allowing wind farms in the area. Dozens of resident on both sides of the issue packed the Osage County Courthouse to voice their opinions on the proposal. Proponents say installing a turbine farm would bring a huge economic boost to the community. A spokeswoman for the Auburn Harvest Wind Project says they’re ready to make an estimated $330 million dollar investment in Osage County. She said the company . . . Complete story »
Wind farm contracts may be coming
The county may be getting closer to approving wind farm contracts with NextEra. No information about the wind farms has come through the commission meetings for many months, though weekly discussions have been going on at the Republic County commission meetings. The proposed wind farm will be built along the county line with turbines going in both Washington and Republic counties. County… [rest of article available at source] Complete story »
County Commission to review wind energy rules
Members of the Harvey County Commission received a copy of a proposed Commercial Renewable Energy Project Regulations Sept. 23 as part of their agenda packet for the Sept. 27 meeting of the commission. The commission will receive a presentation on the Harvey County Planning Commission’s proposed amendments to the Commercial Renewable Energy Project Regulations and set a meeting date to consider the amendments to the regulations. The commission will not vote on the rules Sept. 27, the earliest that could . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine permit rules moving forward
Ron Dietzel of Newton has spent about a year going to Harvey County Commission and Planning and Zoning Board meetings – concerned about the possibility of the construction of industrial wind turbines in the county. “In Newton Township, where I live, there are 91 rural homes Within Kansas, Harvey County has one of the highest rural populations. There are close to 100 rural residences in 15 townships,” Dietzel said “… the high density rural population of Harvey County means there . . . Complete story »
Windfarm proposal heads to Harvey County Commission
Harvey County Commissioners will soon have the final say in a proposed renewable energy project that would include wind turbines. A planning and zoning board signed off on the plan during a lengthy meeting Wednesday night. While the county commission could consider the proposal next month, some Harvey County residents strongly oppose the development. The Kansas wind blows through the Umholtz Farmstead located north of Burrton, but the family worries tall wind turbines may soon change their view. “It felt . . . Complete story »
Trailer transporting part of windmill overturns
A trailer hauling a large part of a wind turbine overturned just east of Leonardville on Highway 24 Monday afternoon. According to Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner, the truck and trailer was hauling a windmill nacelle, which is part of the housing at the top of the turbine. As of 4:30 p.m. Monday, that stretch of US-24 remained closed in both directions. The cause of the crash is under investigation. It is unclear how long the road will be . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines a concern for some in Harvey County
The Harvey County Regional Planning Commission is set to review and approve the criteria for a commercial renewable energy project, which includes building wind turbines to zoned areas. Some people who live in the county are not happy about the wind turbines. “I could list you a lot of things that are concerns that people aren’t aware of,” Kenneth Umholtz, who lives on a farm in Harvey County, said. Kenneth and Eileen Umholtz have lived on their property for 55 . . . Complete story »
Resistance to wind turbines grows as meeting looms
One by one nearly a dozen Harvey County residents approached the Harvey County Commission last week to speak out – nearly all asking the commission to bring back a tabled resolution that would put a moratorium on wind farms. “Please pass a moratorium to take the time needed to ensure a wise decision is made in regard to wind turbines in Harvey County,” said Judy Welfelt of Newton. “It would be irresponsible and very likely could be tragic.” Many who . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines a concern for some in Harvey County
The Harvey County regional planning commission is set to review and approve criteria for a commercial renewable energy project. The project is trying to bring renewable energy to the county, which includes building wind turbines to zoned areas. For some people living in the county, they say they’re not happy about the wind turbines. “I could list you a lot of things that are concerns that people aren’t aware of,” Kenneth Umholtz, who lives on a farm in Harvey County, . . . Complete story »
