October 13, 2020: Planning Commission meeting to discuss public hearing comments on the draft CWECS regulations and will likely make some adjustments shortly after this meeting. No public comment is allowed. Depending on what changes in the draft, there may or may not be another public hearing prior to the draft being submitted to the County Commissioners for a final vote whether or not to accept the draft.
Hutch News Article: Wind Regulation Discussion Generates Some Heat
September 17, 2020: Public Hearing closed after 50 people had comments, NONE OF WHICH DEEMED THE DRAFT REGULATIONS ACCEPTABLE AS-IS. 46 speakers had issues with the draft. The other 4 speakers did not clarify whether or not the draft was acceptable. The Planning Commission deemed further changes are likely necessary.
https://www.renogov.org/DocumentCenter/View/8159/Draft-CWECS-Regulations "Sept 17 draft" of the draft regulations, Per Mark Vonachen's introduction at the beginning of the Sept 17 Public Hearing.
Wish to comment on how the draft-of-the-draft was introduced/handled? E-mail the following:
August 20, 2020: Reno County Planning & Zoning commission approved the Draft to amend Article 23 CEWCS regulations, and the Public Hearing date was set for September 17, 2020. https://www.renogov.org/DocumentCenter/View/8100/Proposed-Article-23---Public-Hearing-Draft-Copy--8-21-20
July 1, 2020: As stated during the 6/18 meeting, we may be in the 1st inning yet. The developer's attorneys filed a motion seeking to get an immediate appeal to a higher court about Judge Chamber's decision.
https://www.hutchnews.com/news/20200702/nextera-seeks-to-appeal-local-judgersquos-ruling
June 18, 2020: Reno County Planning & Zoning commission voted to update/amend the CWECS (wind farm) regulations at minimum. Thank you for providing the county with related data and considerations. A small subcommittee led by Public Works Director Don Brittain will provide a revised draft of the regulations for the PLZ and County Commission to approve.
Prior to June 18, 2020 meeting: Please send the commissioners any information needed to make an informed decision and have "a good sampling" of what the people want.
Also send any data to be used in determining regulation changes to:
May 21, 2020: Reno County Court rejected Nextera's appeal. Now, Nextera can file an appeal at the state court level. We will continue to be involved throughout any follow-on events.
May 21: Reno Planning & Zoning commission to determine if county regulations should be changed/amended. Once again, public comment was not allowed for this agenda item nor any non-agenda item.
March 3, 2020: Southeast section of Reno County is approved to be zoned. Note much of Reno County remains unzoned.
Nov 2019 to May 21, 2020: Legal battles at County Court level to combat Nextera's appeal. If Nextera won, the developer would have erected the wind "farm" in SE Reno. Your continued involvement, support, and generosity helped prevent turbines from being erected. We are truly grateful!
Donations can be sent to:
Reno County Citizens for Quality of Life
PO Box 183
Cheney, KS 67025
or,
GoFundMe link. Note the site's "donation tips" can be changed to "Other" instead of the default percentage.
07/02/2019: Nextera filed an appeal. They are attempting to invalidate as many protest petitions as they can in order to overthrow the necessity of the super majority.
6/13/2019: County Commissioners' meeting where the three Commissioners voted 2:1 for the CUP application, however, the decision was not unanimous, the application was rejected. The next step may be an appeal by the applicant, which would be determined in a court of law.
In April 2019, the Reno County Planning Commission voted and made a recommendation to the County Commission to reject the developer's CUP application for a permit to erect 88 wind turbines in Southeast Reno County and install the associated utilities.
6/11/2019: Reno County Commissioners voted to accept the protest petitions (needed a 20% minimum and have at least 46%). This means the CUP application had to be unanimously approved by all three county commissioners. Thank you to all land owners who helped with the protest petitions!
6/11/2019 Hutch News article regarding the county's decision to accept the protest petitions:
https://www.hutchnews.com/news/20190611/county-finds-protest-petition-on-nextera-project-valid
We all know that developers move in quickly and quietly. If a developer only wants to use unzoned ground, that project could be built with little to no consultation from the county. To say that the county has no knowledge of another project may be true, but if you look at a lease map, they already have a good start with eases in the un-zoned area around Pretty Prairie. Why would they need these leases if the original project was always going to stay north and east of the lake?
This map was provided by the developer months ago to show the developer's proposed plan in SE Reno County.
It was not in proximity to Pretty Prairie as some media have stated (likely because the name was changed to "Pretty Prairie Wind Farm Project"), but would be 4 miles West of Andale, Southwest of Mount Hope, South of Haven, and North of St. Joe, Ost.
Many of us came to Reno County, by desire and determination. Clear skies and pristine landscapes, a perfect backdrop for farming, and raising families.
Those of us lucky enough to have been born here, second and third generation farmers, have made and contributed to an everlasting heritage to be passed onto future generations. Thank you!
About 20 years ago the young man I was dating drove me out to Reno county. We paused looking over the green fields, and meadows, and he said "Here is where I want to build a house and raise a family. " That stuck with me.
15 years later, a home, three kids, we are where we were meant to be.
Everyday, I look out over those same green f
About 20 years ago the young man I was dating drove me out to Reno county. We paused looking over the green fields, and meadows, and he said "Here is where I want to build a house and raise a family. " That stuck with me.
15 years later, a home, three kids, we are where we were meant to be.
Everyday, I look out over those same green fields and clear skies grateful for everything.
~
I've lived at this location for 37 years. I LOVE the quiet, peaceful solitude out here!!! The views are beautiful, and the noises that I can hear out here are usually crickets chirping, birds singing, and coyotes howling! My boys love it out here, and they farm! I have no desire to move to town, and I never dreamed in a million years that these dark night skies, peaceful quiet, or gorgeous views might be robbed from us!!
~
Moved to country to raise children and enjoy the beautiful, peaceful views.
~
We moved to SE Reno county for the open, undisturbed, quiet scenic country views; we could have lived anywhere after my retirement from the Marine Corps, but we chose to raise our family here. However, if the county fails to represent the citizens most affected by the proposed wind farm, we will move out of Reno altogether.
Our purpose in creating this website is to make sure everyone has access to pertinent information regarding industrial wind turbines, associated transmission lines, and their impacts on surrounding communities.
Industrial wind facilities have been associated with several health concerns; the most common being sleep disturbance, headache, anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. Many of these symptoms are self-reported, therefore quantifiable evidence of harm is difficult to correlate.
2018 European World Health Organization (WHO) Environmental Noise Guidelines 2018
These guidelines are relevant as the research spans multiple continents. "For average noise exposure, the GDG conditionally recommends reducing noise levels produced by wind turbines below 45 dB Lden, as wind turbine noise above this level is associated with adverse health effects " pg. 77
http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/383921/noise-guidelines-eng.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3653647/
https://windwisema.org/about/noise/wind-turbine-syndrome-and-vibroacoustic-disease/
Properly Interpreting the Epidemiological Evidence about Health Effects of Wind Turbines on Nearby Residents.
https://waubrafoundation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Phillips-Carl-2011-Bulletin-of-Science-Technology-Society.pdfal
http://greatlakeswindtruth.org/featured/just-in-dr-riina-bray-of-womens-college-hospital-warns-of-proximity-to-wind-turbines/?fbclid=IwAR2S65KoHAsKr9fbmmUS3DD25o9htXEVg-v2IjKPjf1eJ0sDSlIKhWJQXfABrown County Human Services Special Event-Duke Energy Shirley Wind-Sept 12th, 2017 https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=LonNAh9kMYw&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D2kvoZO-DEho%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded&fbclid=IwAR0TGXeBEZiqVZbExIfFpcXXamQN9dUOArRJ5oI_W9eSCija9OeOfI51HpA
The Truth About Industrial Wind Energy - 3 of 12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtPE3O8wmiw&feature=player_embedded
JUST IN: DR RIINA BRAY OF WOMEN’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL WARNS OF PROXIMITY TO WIND TURBINES
http://greatlakeswindtruth.org/featured/just-in-dr-riina-bray-of-womens-college-hospital-warns-of-proximity-to-wind-turbines/?fbclid=IwAR2S65KoHAsKr9fbmmUS3DD25o9htXEVg-v2IjKPjf1eJ0sDSlIKhWJQXfA
03/20/19: Trump says, "Put the windmills up and watch the value of your house, if you're in sight of a windmill, watch the value of your house go down by 65%."
Property value loss from North Stormont wind farm in the millions: Wind Concerns Ontario
https://ottawawindconcerns.com/2018/12/06/property-value-loss-from-north-stormont-wind-farm-in-the-millions-wind-concerns-ontario/?fbclid=IwAR0xZLRVUcCEh6HrxE6DcO6Znanu8yFMQs6o2gHo3z_fWFn8KIz3N3figzo
Do Wind Turbines Lower Property Values?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/judeclemente/2015/09/23/do-wind-turbines-lower-property-values/#57117ec648cb
"Big Wind has attempted to intimidate some of its rural opponents by filing lawsuits against them. Last year, NextEra sued the town of Hinton in federal and state court after the town passed an ordinance restricting wind-energy development. The wind-energy giant also sued local governments in Michigan, Indiana, and Missouri, all of which had passed measures restricting wind-energy development."
https://www.city-journal.org/wind-power-is-not-the-answer?fbclid=IwAR20wVGDtepje04PColHepyP0ShWhyhn1Y8f_J01a2YhbFwBp8UbWk7V89g
Property Devaluation
" The most basic law of economics is that things are valued based on the “Law of Supply and Demand.” It is exceedingly obvious, all things being equal, that many people (due to view, sound, flicker, etc) would choose NOT to buy a home where there are industrial wind turbines close by. (Whether they are right or wrong in their reasons is irrelevant.) These beliefs would reduce demand, which clearly would have some negative impact on the price of such a property.
Any report that concludes that there are zero negative property value effects related to wind projects simply can not be considered seriously. The only real question is how much of an impact? This list is intended to identify just some of the more objective studies and commentary about the adverse effects of wind energy projects on home values near wind projects. "
http://www.lakeontarioturbines.com/PDF/REValues.pdf
http://www.windaction.org/posts/26696-testimony-of-michael-mccann-on-property-value-impacts-in-adams-county-il#.W-3KjWB1qUm
https://www.windturbinesyndrome.com/2010/i-predict-a-series-of-rural-ghettos-abandoned-unmaintained-homes-ill/
There are conflicting reports and studies in regards to the impact industrial turbines would have on crop yields, soil impaction and field accessibility.
http://www.windaction.org/posts/27845-is-wind-farming-compatible-with-agriculture#.W93uG5NKgdU
https://www.cals.iastate.edu/news/releases/iowa-state-university-research-finds-wind-farms-positively-impact-crops
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-are-bats-affected-wind-turbines
"Bats eat insects, saving farmers billions of dollars in pest control each year, but they generally do not get much attention. "
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bat-killings-by-wind-energy-turbines-continue/
We present here analyses suggesting that loss of bats in North America could lead to agricultural losses estimated at more than $3.7 billion/year. Urgent efforts are needed to educate the public and policy-makers about the ecological and economic importance of insectivorous bats and to provide practical conservation solutions.
http://reviverestore.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Economic_Importance_of_Bats_in_Agriculture.pdf
Industioral wind facilities cause weather radar interference, and hinder effective storm tracking.
https://www.weather.gov/mkx/windfarm
https://www.roc.noaa.gov/WSR88D/WindFarm/TurbinesImpactOn.aspx
Here are some additional websites regarding industrial wind facilities:
Monthly "Energy-Environmental Newsletters":
https://www.masterresource.org/uncategorized/
South Dakotans for Safe & Responsible Renewable Energy:
Wind Energy 101 Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/windenergy101/
https://www.wind-watch.org/?fbclid=IwAR2KfSzouDippIVIl9L_8agV3HpGDTEzZC3zHzBhOX7WfWW9aSyqtmIofnQ
Better Plan, Wisconsin. http://betterplan.squarespace.com/-basic-guide-to-creating-a-lar/
Thinking about leasing? Questions to ask.
https://www.wind-watch.org/documents/five-questions-to-ask-before-signing-a-wind-energy-lease/
http://betterplan.squarespace.com/leasing-your-land-to-a-wind-de/
Literature:
https://www.amazon.com/Paradise-Destroyed-Destruction-Living-Energy-ebook/dp/B0742NGRH9
Videos
Infrasound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXCZ3OyklrE&fbclid=IwAR0TcEbIWsjhl8hqCwCDZWNsiJc4NO33a0BzLILaKp2QCVse0acexH0_QcE
February 6, 2019 New Planning Commission Members
http://www.hutchnews.com/news/20190205/two-new-members-named-to-reno-county-planning-commision
December 11th 2018 Reno County Commission rejects request for more wind direction. http://www.hutchnews.com/news/20181211/reno-county-commission-rejects-request-for-more-wind-direction?fbclid=IwAR2RBy3Snk_Xv_HbXgDesZ-jvJjgvXRI0kypht4bl68SFvGkA95D_5wXGj4
Reno County planning board serves as next step for wind farm http://www.hutchnews.com/news/20181205/reno-county-planning-board-serves-as-nexteras-next-step-for-wind-farm
Plans for controversial wind farm moving forward in Reno County (KWCH) https://www.kwch.com/content/news/Plans-for-controversial-wind-farm-moving-forward-in-Reno-County-501947181.html?fbclid=IwAR2O-ZfdaJznDubwD-hAp2rteHl7V_v0GnUWbUzMRuPd5w5ti78c9AsnNpA
Reno Commissioners Seek outside input http://www.hutchnews.com/news/20181120/reno-commissioners-seek-input-from-pratt-kingman-officials-on-wind-farm?fbclid=IwAR33b_YfVgThguzYcbRlSvCTTdTrNARa41ExVtEAdtkAVeeI2WuurHL0EHw
Possible Reno County Moratorium http://www.hutchnews.com/news/20181107/reno-commission-may-take-up-wind-moratorium-later-this-month
McPherson County Moratorium https://www.mcphersonweeklynews.com/wind-energy-leases-raise-conflict-of-interest-concerns-new-moratorium-approved/?fbclid=IwAR0mbAEsT8nNESVsVedpt5R3wcKz8KJ1UoLqmKW862zq063OO6EiHGeYB6U
November 27th
http://www.hutchnews.com/news/20181127/nextera-offers-turbine-setback-noise-and-shadow-limits-at-pretty-prairie-wind-farm
http://www.hutchnews.com/news/20181129/residents-give-negative-feedback-for-wind-farm?fbclid=IwAR3qKScpxMR92Obhl05vaTBrASQ3IRQBDNY07jBYn_BnvMM5sMPSPB2Silg
Hutch News: Wind Regulation Discussion Generates Some Heat
Kansas Opinon Piece
https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Wind-tower-developers-lose-another-round-in-court-13398649.php
Wind tower developers lose another round in court. https://www.pharostribune.com/opinion/columns/article_9575ea76-5364-514c-b541-943730e47444.html?fbclid=IwAR2P8Ie8eRGnXtl2wHaWiGXGIzOqxmkXqFBuvPPBye0Xbq2Wi7cwhqHERw4
West Virginia-LITIGATION
https://wvrecord.com/stories/511692267-three-lawsuits-filed-against-new-creek-wind-for-negative-health-effects?fbclid=IwAR0v5t8Vq1_VCg2c6K-7GzkeM9K2Jsr-cHICOVj1xNBHnLJp-Ml0mlwS3iQ
Colorado
https://www.krdo.com/news/top-stories/calhan-wind-farm-situation-remains-unresolved/411990993
Former Governor of Oklahoma Speaks Out:
https://vimeo.com/214526676?fbclid=IwAR1d_kmT4YRH84sY9FBlnPGB70jj8-xWjthD4ycxlxUJ1y9kw61HZ7Ej6is
Living 1600 ft from a wind turbine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7DQ3SgSg0c
Life Under a Windplant -Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNxvkrgoPLo
Life Under a Windplant- Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_utFV2ukOtU
Life Under a Windplant- Part 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOd5tSZF3A4
We are an ever growing group of area residents, families, farmers, and business people concerned about the growing threat of industrial wind facilities and their transmission lines to our region and the effects of those upon our lives.