| October 2024 |
Major Anti-Wind Forces Are Threats to Clean Energy Projects We All Need NOW
By Joyce Blumenshine
Peoria and Stark counties could have the many benefits of large annual local tax payments for schools and county services for decades ahead, in addition to clean energy power for tens of thousands of homes. Property owners who wish to lease land for wind farms will gain reliable annual payments to boost their income. These payments could mean the difference when farmers face swings in crop prices or weather impacts. Property owners should have freedom to farm wind.
Greenhouse gas concentrations are at record levels, fueling temperature increases into the future. The emissions gap between where we are at now and the reality of how much carbon dioxide must be stopped from going into our atmosphere remains high. Under current policies, there is a two thirds likelihood of global warming of 3 °C this century, and that will mean environmental disaster. Wind energy needs your support!
Please phone and email your Peoria or Stark County Board members as soon as possible. Let them know why you support wind energy and how essential wind farms are for providing clean and renewable energy, greatly reduced carbon emissions, and annual economic benefits to property owners and local governments. The Peoria County Board web page has a link to search your address and get your county commissioner. Their contact information is also on the Peoria County Board website page, or you can phone the Peoria County Clerk to ask at (309) 672-6059. Stark County lists board members on their web page but to find what district you are in and contact information for your board members call the Stark County Clerk at (309) 286-5911 or email clerk@starkco.illinois.gov.
The Goldrush Apple Wind project estimates about $33.7 million paid to local schools in northern Peoria County and $6.6 million to Peoria County over the life of the project. For Stark County the amounts could be $82.7 million for their school districts and $14.5 million in Stark County property taxes. The project final plans are not yet completed for the number and locations of turbines so the amounts could vary.
The Four Creeks Wind project will be in northwestern Peoria County and estimates tens of millions in local tax payments for the life of the project. Illinois regulations on wind energy require numerous conditions on local siting including setbacks, site decommissioning, and mandatory consultations with state agencies regarding any sensitive environmental areas or species of concern.
Hundreds in western Peoria County and part of Stark County turned out to an organizing meeting to oppose these new wind farms. They are raising concerns about turbine height and other details before the project information is fully known. Many allegations regarding wind turbines and health impacts are not proven to be true.
Our state benchmarks for moving to a clean energy future have that renewable sources must make up 25% of overall electric sales by 2025. Illinois needs more wind energy for sure and these would be the first wind farms in Peoria County if approved through county zoning and the county board. If you can help by giving comments at a county board meeting, leave a message at 309-678-1011.
