This resolution by the Gillespie County Commissioners Court to oppose industrial wind energy in the county is very similar to the resolutions adopted by the Gillespie County Economic Development Commission and the City of Fredericksburg City Council.

WHEREAS, there have recently been, and almost certainly will be in the future, companies attempting to enter into options for long-term leases with landowners in Gillespie County for the purpose of erecting massive wind turbines (wind farms) across the scenic landscape of our community; and,

WHEREAS, the Gillespie County Commissioners Court supports private property rights of all landowners and recognizes that potential income to participating property owners who sign options for leases for wind turbines to be located on their property could be beneficial for those property owners; however, the Commissioners Court is concerned about the property rights that the participating landowners will be giving up by relinquishing control of their property to a wind power company over a long period of time and, the Commissioners Court is additionally concerned about potential adverse effects and infringement upon the private property rights of landowners adjacent to or near a wind farm who either choose not to lease their land to a wind power company or do not have an opportunity to lease their land to a wind power company; and,

WHEREAS, the construction of such industrial wind farms will permanently degrade the scenic vistas of our area for long distances; and,

WHEREAS, industrial wind farms viewable from the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will forever scar a popular recreational asset of the area; and,

WHEREAS, the construction of such industrial wind farms will destroy the peaceful existence that the residents of Gillespie County have come to enjoy over the years by generating noise from the turbines, creating “shadow, strobe or flicker” effects; and,

WHEREAS, industrial wind farms could be detrimental to the environmental integrity and wildlife of our area; and,

WHEREAS, it is strongly believed by professional real estate appraisers and members of the real estate community that land values in the area in which industrial wind farms are situated will be substantially decreased; and,

WHEREAS, according to Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the amount of wind generated in this area has resulted in our area being ranked 20th out of 25 potential wind areas in the state of Texas; and,

WHEREAS, the Gillespie County Commissioners Court believes that the negative impact of industrial wind farms, including the potential economic loss to the county as a whole, would outweigh any benefits that they would bring to Gillespie County.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF GILLESPIE COUNTY:

That the Gillespie County Commissioners Court opposes the construction and installation of industrial wind farms in Gillespie County and the surrounding Hill Country area.

Passed and approved this 20th day of December, 2007.

Mark Stroeher, County Judge
Curtis Cameron, County Commissioner, Precinct No. 1
W. A. Roeder, County Commissioner, Precinct No. 2
Calvin Ransleben, County Commissioner, Precinct No. 3
Donnie Schuch, County Commissioner, Precinct No. 4
Mary Lyon Rusche, County Commissioner, Precinct No. 5

Editor's note: 
Gillespie County Economic Development Commission resolution
City of Fredericksburg City Council, Gillespie County resolution

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