Wind Power News: Nebraska
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.
Onslaught of wind turbines
This is in response to Eric Davis’ Feb. 4 letter (“Don’t kill wind energy”). We are proud of State Sen. Tom Brewer in our district. Unlike a majority of the other senators, he is a man of integrity and isn’t afraid to voice the concerns of the people he represents. This is the type of individual we should all choose to elect. We are facing an onslaught of wind turbines in the Sand Hills – all in the name of greed. . . . Complete story »
At Legislature: Eminent domain curbed for wind energy projects
Under LB 155, introduced by Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, use of eminent domain no longer would be authorized in order to provide access to build transmission lines or other infrastructure related to a privately developed renewable energy project. Brewer presented the bill Thursday to the Legislature’s natural resources committee. Current Nebraska law allows a landowner, who has contracted with a wind energy company to host turbines on his or her land, to use eminent domain to access neighboring land . . . Complete story »
Wind power kills birds
This is in response to the Jan. 31 Midlands Voices article written by David Bracht, “Nebraska gains with wind power.” I for one understand the potential for wind power in Nebraska, but is Nebraska the right place for it? We are in the middle of the hourglass or pinch point of mass bird migrations. The one everybody is familiar with is the sandhill crane migration, but that is minuscule compared with the big picture of all the waterfowl and other . . . Complete story »
Wind farms sue NPPD over termination of power purchase deal
Three Nebraska wind farms have filed a lawsuit against Nebraska Public Power District alleging the utility is improperly attempting to cancel power purchase agreements a decade or more before they expire. The suit was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court by Laredo Ridge Wind LLC, Broken Bow Wind LLC and Crofton Bluffs Wind LLC, and it seeks an injunction to stop NPPD from terminating the 20-year power purchase agreements. All three wind farms are owned at least partially by Global . . . Complete story »
With wind energy bill comes passion and a divergence of opinions
Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon said his bill on wind energy regulation is not an anti-wind energy bill, as many opponents have said. The bill (LB373) does not prevent wind energy development in the state, but rather it’s about county governments that do not have zoning regulations in place, he told the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee during a hearing on the bill Thursday. It’s about local control and property rights, he said. The bill would require counties to . . . Complete story »
Senator wants to create new rules for Nebraska wind farms
LINCOLN – Rural residents who dislike windmills clashed with renewable energy advocates and economic development officials over a bill that would regulate the construction of wind turbines. The bill, from State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, would require any counties that allow the construction of new wind turbines to regulate their placement, noise and decommissioning. And for two years, while counties developed guidelines, wind turbines would need to be at least three miles away from a home. Brewer said wind turbines . . . Complete story »
Two bills aimed at protecting landowners from wind farm developments
LINCOLN – A pair of bills introduced by State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon this legislative session aim to give quixotic landowners a bit of security when it comes to neighboring wind farm developments. LB 155, which Brewer introduced on Jan. 11, would prevent private persons from using the eminent domain power of government against their neighbors so they can engage in a private activity. Brewer’s legislative aide Tony Baker said Monday that the bill would come in handy in a . . . Complete story »
County opposing wind energy bill
The Gage County Board of Supervisors is opposing a bill that officials say would hinder wind energy in the state. Introduced by Sen. Tom Brewer of District 43, LB373 would deal with setback and other regulations for wind turbines. Lisa Wiegand with Gage County Planning and Zoning said during Wednesday’s regular County Board meeting that the proposal was designed with Cherry County, which Brewer represents, in mind. Applying the proposal to areas like Gage County would be detrimental in three . . . Complete story »
Cherry Co. zoning recommends wind energy restriction
The Cherry County Planning and Zoning Board has recommended two amendments to regulations regarding industrial wind energy. According to a press release from Preserve the Sandhills, a citizens’ advocacy group, the amendments were considered at the planning and zoning board meeting on Jan. 15. The first amendment was sponsored by area rancher Wayne Etinger and “would essentially ban industrial wind from the county.” It was recommended for approval to the Cherry County Commissioners on a vote of four to two, . . . Complete story »
Nebraska Sandhills and whooping cranes find mutual friend in western Nebraska senator
A lot of uneasiness exists among ranchers and residents – and bird lovers – in Nebraska’s spacious Sandhills. Angst and disagreements have agitated families and neighbors who live there. Some – certainly not all – fear their beloved land and livelihoods are at risk because of the advancing proposals to place more wind turbines and power lines on the grass prairie and sand dunes that cover about a quarter of the state. “I understand progress. My entire family does,” said Judy Rath, owner with . . . Complete story »
