Being Open to Change

Dear Editor,

As a physician and someone who grew up in a rural community, I care deeply about the health of both people and the land. My childhood was spent surrounded by nature, and I want my grandchildren to have the same opportunity. But as much as we value tradition, we can’t ignore the changes happening around us—changes in our climate that directly impact our health and our way of life.

I’ve seen the effects of this change firsthand. For instance, the lake I grew up on in Minnesota was once untouched. (Quarter section homesteaded by my great grandfather). Today, it’s lined with houses every 150 feet, and the landscape I loved feels lost. Like many of you, I resist unnecessary change. But there’s a difference between disruptive development and building a healthier future for our families through clean energy.

The reality is, our climate is shifting, and it’s putting our health at risk. The chance of heat-related illnesses is increasing—especially for farmworkers, student athletes, and others who spend time outdoors. The air we breathe is also impacted. Pollutants from burning fossil fuels increase the risk of serious health conditions, from cardiovascular disease and strokes to respiratory issues in children and the elderly. Pregnant women and their babies are especially vulnerable, with studies linking air pollution to premature birth and developmental problems.

As a doctor, it’s my responsibility to rely on evidence, and the evidence is clear: the health risks from fossil fuels are well-documented. By contrast, extensive research—including Wisconsin’s own Wind Siting Council report—shows no serious health effects from wind turbines. Despite what some groups funded by fossil fuel interests might claim, clean energy like wind and solar power is not only safe, but necessary.

Fossil fuel companies have a vested interest in keeping us hooked on their products. They profit by spreading fear and misinformation about clean energy, hoping to delay the transition. But delaying only makes things worse—for our health, our economy, and our future.

I understand that large infrastructure projects like power lines or wind farms might feel intrusive. I can see the Cardinal Hickory Creek power line from my window, and it’s a reminder that change is never easy. But it’s also a reminder of the bigger picture: these projects are essential to delivering clean, affordable electricity to homes and businesses, while protecting the air and water we all rely on.

As a healthcare provider, I want to see a future where my patients—your neighbors, friends, and family—breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live free from the health impacts of a warming planet. Supporting clean energy infrastructure is a necessary step to make that future a reality. Let’s protect what we love about rural Wisconsin by embracing the right kind of change—one that safeguards our health and preserves the land for future generations.

Jed Downs, 

MD, MPH, DOMP (Can.)

Cross Plains, WI 53528

Madison Manual. Medicine

2940 Chapel Valley Rd

Fitchburg, WI. 53711

Maijala, PP et.al. Annoyance, perception, and physiological effects of wind turbine infrasound.  The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 149 (4) (2021), pp. 2238-2248, 10.1121/10.0003509

Flemmer, C and Flemmer, R.  Wind Turbine Ultrasound: Phenomenology and Effect on People.  Sustainable Cities and Society. Vol. 89 Feb 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2022.104308

Wind Turbine Siting-Health Review and Wind Siting Policy Update Pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 196.378(4g)(e).