Wind turbines, wind turbnes, wind turbines

Dear Editor,

How did we get here? Love them or hate them. Republican or Democrat. Pro green energy or not, this is how and why we are here and why more “green energy” companies are wanting to come.

The first incentive for wind farms is massive subsidies and tax incentives from the Federal Government. Those credits/subsidies come from your taxes. Without these tax credits/subsidies, there would probably not be any Industrial Wind Towers being forced upon us.

Secondly, the State of Wisconsin has deemed these Wind Farms “tax exempt” from local property tax. Sweet deal, huh? To be fair,the wind farms pay a PILOT - to the state, which then divides up the money, and sends it to local governments. According to my math, using other wind farms as an example, the local township will only get $5000-$10,000 per turbine. That’s another sweet deal for the ”green” energy company. The $5 million windmill will pay the same or less than I pay for my house property taxes.

Let’s also take a look at the infamous State Law PSC 128. This is a law governing wind farms, written by wind farm proponents and wind lobbyists. Of significant importance, PSC 128 was voted into place by our State Senators, Assembly and signed into law by Governor Doyle in 2009-2011. Google PSC 128 and look at PSC 128.03. It reads: A Political Subdivision may NOT place any restrictions, either directly or in effect, on the installation or use of a wind farm energy system except by adopting an ordinance that complies with Chapter 66.0401 AND is NOT more restrictive.

In laymen’s terms, the wind farms can do what they want in and to your township, PERIOD! The State gave (or sold) your zoning rights to the wind farm lobby’s. Sweet deal, huh?

In your township, you are required to obtain permits, sighting inspection and pay property taxes.

Wind farms aren’t required to obtain township permit, no sighting, no inspection, and no property taxes. Sweet deal huh?

Recently some Senators and Assembly members have realized that this State overreach needs correcting and have drafted Senate Bill 3, which in short should correct PSC 128.03 and give zoning back to the local governments, i.e. your township. However, it would appear that this may have been just ceremonial because it is shtuck in committee.. But wait, it just got kicked over to the Agriculture Committee into AB 493 and got it out of committee with all democrats voting against. yup, apparently the democrats on the committee would rather an out of state wind farm company have control of your township’s zoning? Maybe they don’t think we are capable.

In Fayette Township, the Pattern Energy has decided that placing large wind turbines within a mile of Yellowstone State Park and closer to the Yellowstone State Wildlife Area is just good business. The local impact on wildlife, tourism and property values will not be positive, yet unless AB 493 passes and is signed by Governor Ever 608-288-1212, we apparently have no say.

For local residents, while the sting of your local property tax payments is still fresh in your mind, ask your town board, or County Board members to send a letter to Senator Marklein, 608-266-0703, Assemblyman Novak 608-237-9151, Governor Evers 608-266-1212 supporting AB 493, soon as the legislative session ends very soon.

If wind farms are the way of the future and are a net positive for local townships, then let them come to the local governments and prove it.

Stan Ferrell

Blanchardville, WI