Robert Bernt, a farmer from Spaulding, voiced his displeasure with local officials and wind developers at a public meeting in Greeley County in June. His wife, Kristine, seated, holds a sign. Most of the several dozen people in attendance shared Bernt’s anger.
NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest developer of wind and solar projects, plans to build a 115-megawatt wind farm outside of Greeley. The project will include up to 41 turbines and generate $19 million in tax revenue and $27 million in landowner income over its 30-year lifespan, according to NextEra.
Large crowds and high emotions prompted Greeley County officials to move public meetings on a proposed wind farm to the larger, safer space of an old school gymnasium. “(Opponents) were very angry and were using physical closeness and aggression,” Greeley County Attorney Cindy Bassett said.
Plans to bring a large wind farm to the countryside outside of Greeley, provoked a sharp outcry from some residents of the area. Project proponents, including some local land owners, had worked for years to bring the wind farm to fruition. They described it as a way to shore up their family incomes and bolster local tax revenue.
NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest developer of wind and solar projects, plans to build a 115-megawatt wind farm outside of Greeley. The project will include up to 41 turbines and generate $19 million in tax revenue and $27 million in landowner income over its 30-year lifespan, according to NextEra.
Robert Bernt, a farmer from Spaulding, voiced his displeasure with local officials and wind developers at a public meeting in Greeley County in June. His wife, Kristine, seated, holds a sign. Most of the several dozen people in attendance shared Bernt’s anger.
Plans to bring a large wind farm to the countryside outside of Greeley, provoked a sharp outcry from some residents of the area. Project proponents, including some local land owners, had worked for years to bring the wind farm to fruition. They described it as a way to shore up their family incomes and bolster local tax revenue.
Large crowds and high emotions prompted Greeley County officials to move public meetings on a proposed wind farm to the larger, safer space of an old school gymnasium. “(Opponents) were very angry and were using physical closeness and aggression,” Greeley County Attorney Cindy Bassett said.
