Black Fork Wind LLC, the project name of the wind farm planned for the Crestline/Shelby area, has filed for waivers to Ohio Administrative Codes to allow them to cut corners in the development of this industry in Richland and Crawford counties. This petition can be viewed on the Ohio Power Siting Board Web site.

This issue concerns me very much and I hope everyone (both in and out of the proposed site) will do their research. Many testimonials can be found online concerning the wind companies' lack of regard for residents within their wind farms and the empty promises made in order to get their monstrous wind turbines in families' back yards. Where exactly are these wind turbines going to be placed and where exactly will the substation be?

What monetary gains can our schools expect? The statement that a wind turbine would be a great field trip experience for our kids is laughable. If a field trip is what kids need we can drive them to the turbines outside of Bowling Green, we don't need to have them in our yards.

How exactly is the tax code written? Can our local government even assess taxes on wind turbines?

There are many more questions that need specific answers, and now the wind company is trying to take short cuts by asking for waivers from the law. Who is holding them accountable for responsible development of wind energy?