Area lawmakers ask governor to help block wind project

Two area Republican lawmakers are asking Gov. Tim Pawlenty to weigh in against a proposed wind project in Goodhue County.

Rep. Steve Drazkowski, of Mazeppa, and Rep. Tim Kelly, of Red Wing, sent a letter to Gov. Tim Pawlenty outlining their concerns. In the letter, they say the state has a "cookie cutter" approach to siting wind turbines and that the proposed project has divided the community.

They write, "It is clear that a much higher population density, coupled with the topography of the area has resulted in a battle between the minority that would financially benefit from allowing a windmill on their land against the majority that would have to live within its shadow."

They argue that if the Goodhue Wind project goes ahead, "we have simply forced a wind project into an area that the majority of the population does not want and is clearly not financially viable on its own."

The lawmakers ask the governor to provide comments and direction to the Public Utility Commission on the matter. They also wrote a letter to the Office of Administrative Hearings Judge Eric Lipman voicing their concerns. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is expected to rule on the proposed 78 megawatt project on Oct. 21.

Click here to Download Letter to the governor

Comments

[Eighteennfighty]

I agree. These things are eyesores. And with oil so abundant and easy to get, why would we even bother with this? Let's wait until the middle east runs out of oil before taking such drastic measures.