The Monday meeting included a description of the wind energy zoning ordinance, most of which is copied from similar laws in other areas, but with additional requirements. A copy of the presentation is on the county website.
Among the restrictions, the county will enforce violations of noise and some other regulations if the state fails to do so. I'm not aware of the county offering to police other state environmental regulations but it's interesting to think about who might be impacted if they choose to become green watchdogs. The distance turbines can be placed from incorporated areas and existing structures is already greater than many other counties require, and some residents are asking that it be increased even more.
(Iowa wind farm that provides power to CWLP)
The developers of the proposed wind farm weren't given time on the agenda but they were allowed two minutes each during the public comment period. One spokesperson stated that if the county enacts requirements for a one-mile setback, which some residents are calling for, the company would be forced to abandon the project.
It's disappointing that more time wasn't given to the developer or to a wind energy expert to clear up concerns raised by people in the audience. The county's strict guidelines appear to be in reaction to a few objectors who are spreading every youtube rumor about the supposed horrors of wind farms. I'll write more about their objections in another post.
In contrast, the county board took a very different approach to the Viper coal mine expansion near Williamsville earlier this year. The Viper mine has been cited for hundreds of safety and environmental violations. Despite their record, the county board approved $900,000 in sales and property tax breaks to the International Coal Group for expanding mining operations. It's hard to argue that the multinational corporation needed special help to expand Viper Mine since they also received massive taxpayer subsidies from the state.
That's the kind of corporate welfare people should keep in mind when the county claims they don't have money to avoid laying off Sheriff's deputies. They have money, but they choose to prioritize it elsewhere.
During the meeting, I asked the county board committee whether they considered giving similar incentives to attract a wind farm. If they're going to subsidize an energy source, shouldn't it be one that has the least negative impact on our community? It didn't appear that anyone has considered it.
The county board is mostly hearing from people opposed to the project. If you care about bringing green jobs to Sangamon county then make sure your county board member knows what you think.
Two more meetings about the wind ordinance are scheduled:
7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 715 E. Illinois St., New Berlin
7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, Rochester Village Hall