It is my opinion that the proposed projects will have an adverse impact upon the overall ecosystem of the Tallgrass Prairie, a true national treasure. The last remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie run from Osage County northward, into northern Kansas and I believe that the Osage Nation must join others in its protection, restoration, and properly make use of the limited opportunities.
It is my opinion that the proposed projects will have an adverse impact upon the overall ecosystem of the Tallgrass Prairie, a true national treasure. The last remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie run from Osage County northward, into northern Kansas and I believe that the Osage Nation must join others in its protection, restoration, and properly make use of the limited opportunities.
PAWHUSKSA, Oklahoma -- The Osage Nation announced Monday it is opposed to proposed large wind farm development in rural Osage County.
In a statement issued by Osage Nation Principal Chief John D. Red Eagle, he says while they are not opposed to alternative energy development, the proposals would adversely impact the tribe's mineral development as well as the overall ecosystem of the Tallgrass Prairie located in Osage County.
Red Eagle says the areas being considered by the first two wind development companies cover approximately 30,000 acres and are located in a prime area for future oil and gas recovery.
Several companies are hoping to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to build wind turbines in the north central portion of …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]PAWHUSKSA, Oklahoma -- The Osage Nation announced Monday it is opposed to proposed large wind farm development in rural Osage County.
In a statement issued by Osage Nation Principal Chief John D. Red Eagle, he says while they are not opposed to alternative energy development, the proposals would adversely impact the tribe's mineral development as well as the overall ecosystem of the Tallgrass Prairie located in Osage County.
Red Eagle says the areas being considered by the first two wind development companies cover approximately 30,000 acres and are located in a prime area for future oil and gas recovery.
Several companies are hoping to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to build wind turbines in the north central portion of Osage County near Foraker and south of Shidler.
Statement by Osage Nation Principal Chief John D. Red Eagle:
Following careful research, consideration and discussion, I have concluded that it is not in the best interest of the Osage Nation to support the proposed large wind farm developments in Osage County. Although the Nation is not opposed to alternative energy development, large wind farms are not conducive to the Nation's overall economic initiatives and environment. Therefore, I believe taking this position is necessary for the greater good of the interests of our tribal citizens and the Osage Reservation area.
In recent months, wind energy companies have targeted Osage County as a prime area for development. While their consideration is flattering, there are valid reasons for siding with the opposition, and my office has found that opposition to be significant.
Primary in this opposition is the Osage Minerals Council. The Council, charged by the Osage people to administer and develop the Osage Mineral Estate in accordance with federal law, has provided my office with a letter of opposition to the development of industrial wind farms that could adversely impact minerals development. The areas being initially considered by the first two wind development companies cover approximately 30,000 acres and are located in a prime area for future oil and gas recovery.
Furthermore, it is my opinion that the proposed projects will have an adverse impact upon the overall ecosystem of the Tallgrass Prairie, a true national treasure. The last remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie run from Osage County northward, into northern Kansas and I believe that the Osage Nation must join others in its protection, restoration, and properly make use of the limited opportunities the prairie provides everyone, including its wildlife.
Other concerns have been expressed about damaging areas that hold considerable historical and cultural value for the Osage people. Also, we have heard opposition from neighboring landowners, from supporters of local tourism efforts such as the Osage Nation Heritage Trail Byway, and from our neighboring community officials.
During our many conversations, including those with the wind developers themselves, we have discovered that no major purchasers of energy created by the proposed developments exist and that any creation of new and permanent jobs would be very limited.
My decision has not been made lightly. Representatives of my office have visited with Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin's office, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, Osage County Commissioners, and a land owner who hopes to lease his property to the developers. Our governor is encouraging wind development in Oklahoma, particularly in the western part of the state. Our County Commissioners need revenue enhancement to effectively serve the citizens, just as the land owners see a financial opportunity for themselves. However, I believe there are other financial opportunities that can be explored and alternatives found for the land owners as well, such as conservation easements.
It is my hope that everyone involved in supporting the development of large, industrial wind farms in Osage County will understand and respect the position of the Osage Nation.
My administration has worked hard to reestablish its friendships with other governments, with business leaders, with our neighboring ranchers and others. The Osage Nation values those relationships and we want to continue to develop them for the future benefit of all our citizens.