This is the first Lake Erie wind turbine project that has been recommended for approval by the OPSB. They have placed some “conditions” on their approval of the project, but if those conditions are met with studies that lack transparency, or are built on flimsy science, or by cherry-picking numbers and portions of studies that push a favorable breeze on this wind farm, we all lose.

Impact on Wildlife Impact on Birds Ohio

The Ohio Power Siting Board has recommended conditional approval of the $126 million Icebreaker six-turbine wind turbine project proposed by the Lake Erie Energy Development Corp. 8 to 10 miles northwest of downtown. But the staff has included more than 34 conditions. The six-turbine wind farm is expected to look similar to this offshore wind farm near Block Island in the Atlantic Ocean.

Impact on Birds Impact on Bats Offshore Wind Ohio

“Based on my continued engagement with the constituents, I have come to the conclusion that no changes should be made to Ohio’s current wind turbine setbacks. Under current law, the setbacks can be reduced if ‘good neighbor’ waivers are reached with affected landowners in the project footprint. Property rights are key and landowners on both sides of this issue have valid arguments. In pursuit of a compromise, it is unfair for one set of landowners to completely win this debate, and property rights should never be subject to a vote.”

Safety Ohio

Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill that would relax the state’s strict wind turbine setbacks rules but again weaken renewable and energy efficiency standards.

Energy Policy Ohio

Chairman Balderson, Vice Chairman Jordan, Ranking Member O’Brien and members of the Committee; my name is Mike Kerschner and I have been a commissioner in Seneca County, Ohio since January 2015. Wind Farm projects were not even a matter of discussion at that time. They have since become a very key issue for the citizens of my county.

Impact on Landscape Impact on People Ohio

Some residents in Sandusky and Seneca counties say towering turbines would shatter their peace.

Impact on Landscape Impact on People Ohio

If a sworn affidavit is submitted and approved by the Ohio Power Siting Board, who has to approve any wind farm application before construction can begin, the townships' trustees will be the voice of the people in front of the state.

Impact on People Ohio

A group that opposes wind turbine projects in Seneca and surrounding counties has alleged what they called “alarming” and “concerning” correspondence between county officials and a pro-clean energy organization.

General Ohio

State lawmakers are working to amend 2014 legislation they believe has caused wind energy development to stall in Ohio.

General Ohio

If one drives from Bellevue to Attica you will notice the numerous Anti-Wind for Seneca County signs in the front yards of homes. They do far out-number the Pro-Wind Energy signs. One will also be struck that most of the pro-wind signs are in areas without homes; just open fields. And on the evening of May 31st a trip to the Attica Fairgrounds was clearly a meeting for SAWU to address over 500 supporters.

General Ohio

Chris Aichholz, a Bloomville resident and Seneca-Anti Wind Union member, presented the petition which he said formally asks the commissioners to rescind the alternative energy zone the county approved in 2011. He said the AEZ acts as a “welcome mat” for wind projects by making them more economically feasible.

General Ohio

Impact on People Ohio

Impact on People Ohio

A potential 200 Megawatt Wind Farm with dozens or perhaps hundreds of turbines has been proposed for Eastern Seneca County and Southern Sandusky County. But a group of concerned citizens want more say in where the wind turbines could go.

Impact on People Ohio

Impact on People Zoning/Planning Ohio

Ohio utilities would still have to find more of their power from renewable sources like solar and wind but not as much as required by current law under a bill that could soon see a Senate vote.

Energy Policy Ohio

A proposal from Ohio Senate GOP leaders to redraw rules determining how far wind turbines can be from adjacent properties is expected to attract billions of dollars in new wind farm investments -- and pit clean energy groups against the wind industry. The new setback rules are part of legislation that would also sharply reduce the decade-old state mandates requiring power companies to supply electricity generated by wind, solar and other renewable technologies. And it would tinker with laws requiring utilities to offer energy efficiency programs to customers.(National Wind Technology Center )

Safety Energy Policy Ohio

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There soon may be more wind farms in Ohio.

Energy Policy Zoning/Planning Ohio

If the certificates are not extended, it’s possible the developer would have to restart the lengthy application process for the project. Attorneys for Everpower Wind Holdings, the developer, argued the projects have been fought in the courts for about eight years.

General Ohio

“These little songbirds migrate at night and they can’t see tall structures like this. When you’ve got a 400 foot pole with three massive blades sticking out it would be a gauntlet for these little migrating birds,” said Kim Kaufman of the Observatory.

Impact on Birds Ohio