Tenaska Renewables out of Nebraska is purportedly looking to establish a commercial wind project in the Hamilton/White County area. That has some on edge and questioning why especially after seeing prospective leases. White and Wayne County Farm Bureau Manager Doug Anderson is urging any landowners approached or presented with a lease to consult with a qualified attorney before signing anything. Anderson says he’s heard the project is a large one in scope.
Anderson says that Illinois Farm Bureau isn’t against wind as an energy source in the slightest. He just wants to make sure that it makes sense for folks and that they’re protected in any agreement they might enter into.
Still yet, he’s not sold on the southern part of the state having enough wind.
Anderson says local attorney Matt McArthy has already seen some prospective leases. McArthy says he has some concerns as well. “My biggest concern is that White and Hamilton Counties do not have enough consistent wind to make wind turbines economical which could result in these large eyesores being abandoned after they are built. We also have so many areas where coal has been mined for which wind turbines should not be built over. Some of these are very old mines and it seems they are unaware of their existence when leasing.”
We have reached out to Tenaska Renewables for comment. A representative has yet to get back to us. If you have questions, Anderson welcomes you to reach out to the local farm bureau office at 618-382-8512.
