Many people in North Dakota are thrilled that wind turbines are dotting the state. It is an alternate source of energy, and financially, it is good for the state's economy. But there are two sides to every story, and state legislators heard both sides on Wednesday in Valley City.

The Energy Development and Transmission Committee first listened to NextEra Energy Resources representatives on wind facility construction and operation.

Scott Scovill and Tom Factor of the Florida-based company explained in detail what their company does before, during and after construction and operation of wind turbine farms. NextEra, with Otter Tail Power Co., owns the Ashtabula Wind Farm northeast of Valley City.

"We've never had a complaint yet," said Scovill, adding that the company has heard one gripe recently.

Public Service Commissioner Kevin Cramer presented on the PSC's recent activities and studies relating to wind energy.

"We've been accused of going too fast and of going too slow" on dealing with wind turbine projects in the state, Cramer said.

The energy development committee is made up of 12 North Dakota legislators, including Rep. Lee Kaldor, D-Mayville, whose electorate includes parts of Barnes County.

Rep. Phil Mueller, D-Valley City, also attended the meeting and said wind farms are good for the landowner and companies that own them.

Local residents Jim and Mary Ann Miller and Dennis and Cathryn Stillings gave testimony on how wind facilities have affected their lives. Their presentations were not the rosy pictures the NextEra representatives painted about wind turbines.

After the all-day meeting, the legislative committee toured some of the wind facilities, including turbines near the Stillings' house.

Wardner invited the Millers and Stillings to attend the next meeting in Bismarck to discuss the issues further. He said this is the reason they had the meeting in Valley City on Wednesday: to hear from both sides on the wind turbine issue.