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 are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Sedgwick County officials are looking into wind farm issues
After a wind farm project was allowed to move forward in Reno County, Sedgwick County Commission chairman David Dennis has asked staff to look into issues that may be involved with any future projects. Dennis said he attended a meeting of Reno County commissioners on December 4th, when a decision was made to allow a project to move forward near the Reno-Sedgwick County line. Construction is expected to begin on a wind farm early next year. Dennis said he has . . . Complete story »
Reno County planning board serves as NextEra’s next step for wind farm
Forty-five seconds of silence following a motion to impose a moratorium on commercial wind development perhaps resounded louder than two hours of an open mic before the Reno County Commission Tuesday morning. Commissioner Ron Hirst’s motion to impose a six-month moratorium died for lack of a second. No other motion followed. NextEra Energy is now free to file its application for a conditional use permit, which will go before the Reno County Planning Commission. The company previously indicated it planned . . . Complete story »
Residents give negative feedback for wind farm
HAVEN – Most of the 125 people in attendance grumbled when a NextEra Energy representative said people have wanted a wind farm to Reno County for a decade. “Not here,” one man said. The Florida-based company held a Q&A on Tuesday in the Haven High School cafeteria. No one in attendance spoke in favor of the proposed 80-plus turbine wind farm. However, it doesn’t seem to matter. NextEra Energy Director of Communications Bryan Garner said they have acquired leasing rights to . . . Complete story »
Planned wind farm near Pretty Prairie faces opposition
RENO COUNTY, Kan. At least for now, a group in Reno County is trying to stop an effort that would bring a wind farm near the town of Pretty Prairie. The group is concerned about the economic impact of the proposed 220 megawatt facility and its proximity to area housing. Those opposed to the wind farm also say they want more information about the facility and what it could mean for Reno County before plans move forward. The group Tuesday . . . Complete story »
NextEra offers turbine setback, noise and shadow limits in Pretty Prairie
The current footprint for NextEra Energy’s wind farm in Reno County would be the most densely populated area the company has proposed for any of its seven wind farms in Kansas, the County Commission learned Tuesday. The reason, NextEra Energy representative Spencer Jenkins said, in explaining its selection despite the density, is the segment of the county targeted for the 220-megawatt development “has good wind, world-class wind.” “It’s better than any county to the south even,” said Jenkins, Project Manager . . . Complete story »
Pratt County officials praise NextEra projects in Reno County meeting
While they touched on a few issues that surfaced with the development of two wind farms in Pratt County, three representatives from that county gave NextEra Energy high marks when answering questions from the Reno County Commission Tuesday. Right out of the box, however, two of the three admitted to having family who benefited from the projects by owning land that was developed. Pratt County Commissioner Glenna Borho said she abstained from votes by her county commission on the projects . . . Complete story »
Reno Commissioners seek input from Pratt, Kingman officials on wind farm
As it moves toward a decision whether to issue a moratorium or try to control the development of a proposed wind farm in Reno County through a contract, the Reno County Commission agreed Tuesday to quiz Kingman and Pratt county officials about their experiences. Residents seeking a year-long moratorium, meanwhile, appeared before the commission for a fifth consecutive week, with nearly a dozen speakers offering additional arguments in their opposition to the development of the 220-megawatt Pretty Prairie Wind Farm . . . Complete story »
Do wind turbines kill birds?
Being known as the “bird man” or “bird guy” has been an interesting journey. I get lots of questions and recently a bunch of people have been asking me about the Neosho Ridge wind project and if it will kill birds. The short answer is yes, it will kill a measurable amount of birds. “How many?” is usually the next question and is a tougher question to answer. It is first important to find credible studies done on the matter. . . . Complete story »
Men speak about wind farm negatives
ST. PAUL – From Burk Peterson’s back door in Anderson County, he can see the turbines stretched across his sight line from horizon to horizon in Coffey County 26 miles away. At night he said, it is like he is being invaded by aliens, because the turbines’ red lights are synced to blink in unison. Looking at Kansas wind maps and the marginal to poor winds in Southeast Kansas, some might wonder why wind energy companies would come here to harvest . . . Complete story »
Wind farm opponents: Zoning is best protection
ST. PAUL – Some people have questioned why Apex Clean Energy would want to build wind turbines in Southeast Kansas. Lack of zoning regulations in Neosho County could be one of the greatest enticements for the company, according to information shared with Neosho County residents Tuesday night at Tony’s Function Junction near St. Paul. Anderson County residents Dane Hicks and Burk Peterson spoke to citizens at the event center who have raised concerns about the Neosho Ridge Wind project that is . . . Complete story »
