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 tables wind regs for another six weeks
In a surprise move, Reno County Commission Chair Ron Hirst proposed on Tuesday the county impose a moratorium on commercial wind development for zoned areas of Reno County. With no surprise, the suggestion didn’t go anywhere. Instead, the board tabled until next month acting on regulations the commission has been considering for the past several months. The commission did informally agree, however, to consider at its next meeting a related suggestion from Hirst that the county initiate public discussions or . . . Complete story »
County nixes new wind farm moratorium
OSWEGO – A suggestion to impose a moratorium on wind development to allow more study time didn’t advance on Monday at the Labette County Commission meeting. Commissioner Lonie Addis, who has requested extending a moratorium in the past, offered the topic up for discussion on Monday with fellow Commissioners Brian Kinzie and Cole Proehl. Addis said the county is looking at a long-term commitment and he thinks the moratorium would give more time for research. The moratorium that was in place . . . Complete story »
Kansas senator proposes legislation to limit placement of wind turbines
Kansas state Sen. Mike Thompson is proposing legislation that would limit the placement of wind turbines in rural areas. Thompson, chairman of the State Senate Utilities Committee, fears that improper placement could cause property values to fall and impose on rural residents’ quality of life. “The legislation in Kansas (SB 279) would prohibit construction of a wind turbine facility until the developer enters into a facility agreement with the landowner,” Ed Cross, president of Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association, . . . Complete story »
County hears more concern about possible wind farm
OSWEGO – An Oklahoma woman who was raised in Labette County visited with Labette County commissioners briefly on Monday to discuss her thoughts on the proposed wind energy development in the western half of the county. Yulondia Wood asked to speak about the issue even though she lives in Craig County. Her parents, Wayne and Carmaletta Bozman, still live in Labette County. Commission Chairman Lonie Addis told her his intention is to have a special meeting to allow the public an . . . Complete story »
Author of bill to restrict wind energy in Kansas defends legislation
A recent editorial by the Gannett Kansas editorial advisory board attempted to “throw cold water” on legislation I authored to support rural Kansans who have been negatively impacted by an unchecked wind industry over the past decade. This industry has been propped up by government, to the detriment of our energy policy, our environment and the lives of everyday Kansans. The purpose of SB 279 is to protect the health, safety, economic viability and property rights of rural Kansans. The . . . Complete story »
Nemaha Co. Sheriff’s Office searches for information about shot wind turbine causing $780,000 in damage
A shot was fired into a wind turbine in Nemaha County and caused an estimated $780,000 in damage. The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office says sometime between 12 p.m. on March 23 and 1 p.m. on March 24, a wind turbine was damaged at 24th and R Rd. causing an estimated $780,000 in damage. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the FAA light on the top of the tower had gone out and an engineer had gone up to replace it. During . . . Complete story »
Opposition mounts to potential wind farm
OSWEGO – Area residents with questions and some with statements of opposition to the proposed development of an industrial wind farm were present at the Labette County Commission’s Wednesday meeting in Oswego. RWE is exploring the development of a wind farm that would have an estimated 50 to 75 turbines that could be 500 feet tall at the tip of the blade, although turbine numbers, exact heights and placement will be determined by the collection of wind and weather information. The . . . Complete story »
Labette County residents weigh in on potential wind farm
LABETTE COUNTY, Ks. – Labette County could be the newest site for wind farms – but not everyone is excited about it. Helen Erickson, Labette County Resident, said, “We are 31.7 miles away. We see the flashing lights at night.” Wednesday’s Labette County Commission meeting was where residents gathered to voice their concerns about the potential RWE wind farms. While an agreement has yet to be reached, RWE has already begun talking to local landowners. Cole Proehl, Labette County Commissioner, said, “They’ve . . . Complete story »
Controversial wind power bill comes amid local project changes
PITTSBURG, Kan. – With a new bill in the Kansas Legislature threatening to impose restrictions on wind farms, renewable energy proponents and industry players are pushing back. But in the southeast corner of the state, at least, where unexpected changes were recently announced to plans for a wind farm with turbines in two counties, some say they would welcome stricter regulations. Earlier this month, Apex Clean Energy announced it was selling the Jayhawk Wind project, located in northwest Crawford and southwest . . . Complete story »
Plan to limit turbines riles growing Kansas wind industry
“Now, our way of life will never be the same,” Janet Beene, whose family has a farm southwest of Fort Scott, inside the footprint of a planned wind farm, said in written testimony. “The beautiful pastures with amazing sunsets will never be the same. And what about the pasture and cropland that is being destroyed for this so-called ‘green energy’?” Complete story »
