Trempealeau County closes door on wind energy
From an article by Alyssa Waters in the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram:
After more than a year of research and discussion by committee, the Trempealeau County Board recently approved a wind ordinance that essentially would prevent commercial wind turbines from being built in the county.
The ordinance requires developers to place wind turbines taller than 150 feet one mile or more from neighboring residences, schools, hospitals and businesses. It’s described as the longest setback distance imposed to date by a local government in the state, which board member Doug Winters says is unfortunate.
Winters, who is from Trempealeau, voted against the proposed ordinance Dec. 17 after he and a handful of others attempted to amend the ordinance. That amendment was rejected.
The ordinance passed on a 10-6 vote.
“I voted against it because it was too restrictive,” Winters said.
Paul Halderson of Galesville also voted against the ordinance and thinks it’s too restrictive.
“I’m greatly disappointed that Trempealeau County can not do their share to participate in green energy,” he said. “I spoke in the meeting that it’s our responsibility to do our fair share.”
Halderson said developers will now write Trempealeau County off and move to other counties, but Winters said he thinks the decision may be overturned at some point.
