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Wind Power News: Wisconsin
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational effort 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.
FARM Act would halt subsidies for sacrificing farmland to the ‘green energy’ industry
The conflict in Ukraine is reminding the Western world about the importance of energy independence and food security. World leaders, including the Biden administration, argue we must increase wind and solar energy production to reduce dependence on Russian energy. But as Russia’s invasion has demonstrated, this strategy already failed and, in fact, helped bring this war about in the first place. By strangling U.S. energy producers, the White House has fueled skyrocketing oil prices and enriched Russia’s rulers. An added . . . Complete story »
Company assessing possibility of wind turbines
SHEBOYGAN – In December, a developer filed a preliminary proposal to build wind turbines in Sheboygan County. The filing sparked interest and concerns from many residents. The developer, BluEarth Renewables, Inc., said earlier this month the filing was part of “very, very early stages” of work to assess the viability of wind turbines in the area, and BluEarth has not decided whether it will propose a project in Sheboygan County. “We do not have a project plan in Sheboygan County . . . Complete story »
Cardinal-Hickory Creek: Utilities appeal, say power line delays jeopardize clean energy delivery
Utilities seeking to build a controversial power line connecting Iowa and Wisconsin are appealing a court decision blocking the Mississippi River crossing and say construction delays could leave the power grid more vulnerable to blackouts, limit clean energy production and lead to higher electricity prices. Earlier this year, federal Judge William Conley sided with four conservation groups that sued to stop the $492 million Cardinal-Hickory Creek line, finding the environmental review was inadequate and the project is incompatible with the . . . Complete story »
U.S. Rep. Tiffany seeks to repeal most subsidies for wind, solar projects
CHIPPEWA FALLS – U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate most subsidies for solar and wind energy projects on farm land. Tiffany, R-Minocqua, said he doesn’t want land that is producing food to be taken out of production so it can instead produce energy. “If you want to put in wind and solar, go ahead, but don’t do it on the backs of taxpayers,” Tiffany said Thursday during a stop at 29 Pines restaurant in the town . . . Complete story »
Sheboygan County preps for wind turbine proposals: What to know, including how they can be rejected
SHEBOYGAN – Nearly 10 years ago, a proposed wind farm in the town of Sherman – which would have had the first commercial wind turbines in Sheboygan County – sparked strong opposition from residents. Similar concerns are resurfacing since the Sheboygan Press published in late January that a developer filed initial permits to build 16 673-foot tall wind turbines around the county. The developer of the project is still unknown. Here’s a look at past wind projects in Sheboygan County, what the approval . . . Complete story »
State official highlights goals of clean energy plan
The head of the Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy says the office is leaning toward executive and agency actions as it develops the state’s clean energy plan. “So we recognize that legislative might be a bit of a challenge, but we’re not totally pushing away legislative opportunities,” Director Maria Redmond said yesterday during Renew Wisconsin’s 2022 Renewable Energy Summit in Madison. She said the state office, created in 2019, is identifying actions that can be taken “right away” . . . Complete story »
Proposed Sheboygan County wind turbines may be tallest in Wisconsin
SHEBOYGAN – An unknown developer has filed a proposal to build 16 wind turbines scattered through the southern half of Sheboygan County. The name of the developer has not yet been released, but the proposal was filed with the Federal Aviation Administration in mid-December. The FAA will approve the project based on whether the turbines will obstruct aircraft at their proposed height and locations. After that, approval of the turbines will likely fall to Sheboygan County municipalities. The proposed turbines, . . . Complete story »
Cardinal-Hickory Creek: Judge blocks Mississippi River crossing for $492M power line
A federal judge has blocked a power line under construction in Iowa and Wisconsin from crossing the Mississippi River after finding the government’s environmental review was inadequate. Judge William Conley’s ruling throws the fate of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line into question just months after utilities began construction on the $492 million project. Conley sided with four conservation groups that sued two federal agencies over approvals of the contentious 102-mile line between Dubuque, Iowa, and Middleton. In an order issued . . . Complete story »
State’s tallest wind turbines could be along Rock-Walworth county line
Not many details have emerged publicly, but federal records show a developer is looking to erect several 670-foot-tall wind turbines along a ridge near the Rock-Walworth county line. A Federal Aviation Administration database lists the locations for 10 proposed wind turbines the agency said an unnamed developer applied to build in mid-December. The agency hasn’t started studying the proposal, but the FAA has regulatory authority over the location and height of wind turbines as they relate to boundaries and operations . . . Complete story »
Regulators approve $162M wind farm purchase; first project approved under 2010 siting rule
Regulators have approved the purchase of a proposed wind farm in southwestern Wisconsin that is the state’s first project approved under 12-year-old rules designed to make the process easier for developers. The Public Service Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to authorize Wisconsin Public Service Corp. and Madison Gas and Electric to spend $162 million on the Red Barn Wind Farm as part of long-term strategies to phase out coal-fired power plants and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With a capacity of just . . . Complete story »
