From the Muncie Star-Press:
Call it, if you will, a tale of two counties — one that embraces wind farms and one that so far has not.
In Randolph County, plans have been in the works for the past couple of years to develop wind farms in much of the county. So far, none have been built, but zoning regulations are largely in place, and many landowners hope to cash in on the projects once wind turbine construction begins. Plans call for a wind farm in the northeastern and northwestern part of the county, mainly north of Ind. 32.
There has been little if any opposition to the giant turbines in Randolph County, where they are viewed by many as an economic benefit.
That’s not the case in Delaware County, where some landowners in the eastern part of the county have allegedly signed leases with wind farm developer E. ON Climate and Renewables. But as word leaked out about the planned wind farm, opposition has organized, packing a recent city-county plan commission meeting.
The slow movement of government guarantees a wind farm in Delaware County won’t be built in the near future, but the question boils down to this: Should a wind farm be located here, and if so, where?
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We all desire electricity, and if it can be generated cleanly with wind power, that’s certainly a bonus. Landowners where turbines are located (and possibly adjoining neighbors) could realize a significant income boost in the form of lease payments. The county stands to gain in tax revenue, even if abatements are granted.
And to be fair, landowners in a rural area ought to be able to enjoy the rural lifestyle they covet with minimal intrusion.
We hope a compromise can be found that benefits all sides.
But here’s one thing to ponder: The lease payments paid by a wind farm developer might largely preserve a rural way of life by limiting future development, and providing a revenue stream to benefit and maintain agriculture operations.
We hope that consideration doesn’t get lost in the stiff breeze of debate this issue is sure to generate.
http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013305190024
