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.
County, Diamond Vista at impasse
County commissioners reconsidered a decision to have talks with Enel Green Power North America in private Friday. Cost overruns by engineering consultant Kirkham Michaels, hired in November 2017 to provide haul route evaluation for roads used by Diamond Vista wind farm construction, have county commissioners and Diamond Vista wind farm owners Enel Green Power North America at loggerheads. Commissioners were mixed on whether to meet in secret. Randy Dallke, Kent Becker, and David Crofoot initially voted in favor of closing . . . Complete story »
Apex Energy/Bourbon County Commission agreements signed
The controversial wind energy business is coming to Bourbon County. Following a request to Apex Clean Energy, the wind energy company from Charlottesville, Virginia for specifics on the project, the following statement was provided. Apex Clean Energy entered into five agreements with the Bourbon County Commission last Friday, March 13, according to Helen Humphreys, public engagement manager for Apex. “In addition to setting out how Jayhawk Wind (Jayhawk) will operate in the community, the agreements also empower the county to . . . Complete story »
Seven people named to Wind Advisory Board
ERIE – Neosho County Commissioners named seven members and a facilitator to an advisory committee on wind energy development. The committee stems from a one-year moratorium passed in September to halt further expansion of wind-generated electricity after approval of the Neosho Ridge Wind project. District 1 Commissioner Paul Westhoff, whose district covers the most area, named three committee members, while District 2 Commissioner David Orr and District 3 Commissioner Gail Klaassen each named two. The commission named Chanute Regional Development . . . Complete story »
Bourbon County Commissioners approve a contract to build a wind farm
BOURBON COUNTY, Ks. – Bourbon County Commissioners approve a contract to build the Jayhawk Wind Farm. This morning the commission met to make the final decision, signing 5 agreements with Apex Energy to have 50 wind turbines built between Crawford and Bourbon Counties. The agreements address road-use, pilot payments, decommissioning and more. Construction is set to begin in the fall of this year, and should take 8-10 months to complete. Residents that are opposed to the project were also present at . . . Complete story »
Tensions run high at Bourbon County Commission meeting
BOURBON COUNTY, Ks. – Tensions heightened at a Bourbon County Commission meeting that would decided the fate of a proposed wind farm project. Jeff Fischer, Bourbon County Commissioner, said, “There was some discussion on renewable energy contract.” Nearly 50 people gathered at the Bourbon County Courthouse wanting to know if County Commissioners would approve a contract with Apex Clean Energy for a wind farm project. “We were presented some contacts to review over the past weeks and months.” The contract referenced . . . Complete story »
Labette County restricts wind testing towers
CHETOPA – A Labette County committee studying wind energy took its first formal action related to wind farm development on Monday morning, recommending restrictions on meteorological evaluation towers in the county. Four members of the five-member committee – Sandy Krider, Lori Whitworth, Mel Hass and Kevin King; Rod Landrum was not able to attend – agreed on Monday to recommend the towers that measure wind characteristics at various locations would be no taller than 200 feet. The towers must be set back from . . . Complete story »
Kansas Senator Mike Thompson speaks on industrial wind energy to concerned Bourbon County residents
FORT SCOTT, Ks.- Anne Dare is just one of dozens of concerned citizens in Bourbon County, Kansas that gathered to hear State Senator Mike Thompson (R) speak on industrial wind energy in Fort Scott’s River Room event center. “The more we talk about it the more people we hear pop up and say what’s going on I didn’t know that was happening” She is hoping to gain more information on the impact of wind turbines. “If we are incorrect in . . . Complete story »
Kansas Senator meets with constituents about proposed wind farm project
ORT SCOTT, Kan. – Kansas Senator Mike Thompson meets with Bourbon County residents to talk about possible outcomes from a proposed wind farm project. The Jayhawk wind farm project would allow 50 wind turbines to be built between Crawford and Bourbon counties. Senator Thompson says he’s seen numerous turbines appear across Kansas, and believe they can affect rural community negatively. Senator Thompson has been conducting his own research into wind farms since 2002. He says looking long-term, communities may be stuck . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines on the horizon?
Nearly 650 wind turbines in a 30-mile radius, plus the largest transmission line in the state with towers reaching 150-200’ tall – taller than our water towers… That is what Nemaha County residents can look forward to in their future. The view from your vehicle, tractor, or deck will change dramatically in the next two years as Nemaha County becomes industrialized. The new wind turbines will be 500’ tall – that’s 100’ taller than the approximately 40 you see north . . . Complete story »
Citizens opposed to wind farm host speaker on March 8
Citizens of Bourbon County Opposed to Industrial Wind will host Senator Mike Thompson on Sunday, March 8th at 4:00 pm at The River Room, 3 West Oak Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701 Senator Thompson was the former chief meteorologist for WDAF-TV in the Kansas City area 1992-2018 prior to that he was chief meteorologist for KC TV 1983-1992 as well as a meteorologist for KOKH-TV and KWTV in Oklahoma City and WPCQ-TV in Charlotte North Carolina. Senator Mike Thompson was . . . Complete story »
