Henderson County wind turbine project paused amid heated debate

The Henderson County Fiscal Court unanimously passed Resolution 25-30, halting industrial-scale wind energy projects until July 1, 2026. Residents addressed concern about property value declines, health effects from turbine noise and structural risks on reclaimed coal mine land. 

HENDERSON, Ky. — The Henderson County Fiscal Court unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on industrial-scale wind energy projects Tuesday, halting progress on the proposed Rock Bluff Energy Park as residents voiced strong opposition over transparency, environmental and safety concerns.

What You Need To Know

• The Fiscal Court unanimously passed Resolution 25-30 July 22, 2025, halting industrial-scale wind energy projects, including the Rock Bluff Energy Park, until July 1, 2026
• The proposed wind and solar project by Cordelio Power and Tenaska, spanning up to 30,000 acres in eastern Henderson County near Hebbardsville and Bluff City, requires approvals from MISO, EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Kentucky’s Public Service Commission before local permitting
• Locals, including Shannon Hill and Hannah Herron, alleged non-transparency since 2022 and cited risks to wildlife, property values and safety, particularly fire hazards from 720-foot turbines and impacts on the Sloughs WMA, a National Natural Landmark
• Cordelio Power CEO John Carson emphasized stable lease payments for landowners, framing the project as an economic opportunity

The resolution, passed during a contentious meeting, aims to allow time for comprehensive studies and public input, leading to a potential permanent ban on wind turbines in the county.

The Rock Bluff Energy Park, proposed by Cordelio Power and Tenaska, is envisioned as a multi-technology clean energy facility. The park is expected to incorporate solar photovoltaic technology installed on reclaimed coal mine lands and wind turbines that bring diversified income to local farming families.

Proposed sites are in eastern Henderson County, near Hebbardsville, Bluff City and the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area Ash Flats unit. The project, still in early planning, requires approval from the Midwestern Independent System Operator, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Kentucky’s Public Service Commission before local permitting can begin.

Residents packed the fiscal court meeting, expressing distrust and alarm. Shannon Hill, a Bluff City Road resident, accused Cordelio and Tenaska of non-transparency since 2022.

Hill cited a 2023 PowerPoint that revealed plans for a 30,000-acre project with 93 turbines, contradicting earlier claims of a smaller scope.

“We, the citizens of Henderson County, are requesting a complete prohibition to wind and all green energy projects,” Hill said. “There’s been non-transparency from the beginning.”“We, the citizens of Henderson County, are requesting a complete prohibition to wind and all green energy projects,” Hill said. “There’s been non-transparency from the beginning.”

Hannah Herron, a college student from Niagara, highlighted environmental risks.

“Henderson was designated as a National Natural Landmark,” she said. “One of the proposed wind turbine sites sits right between the Sloughs WMA Ash Flats unit, an important bird area.”

She cited studies on turbine-related bird mortality and Doppler radar interference, referencing Posey County’s rejection of a similar project.

Carrie Nicholson, a Roberts resident, drew parallels to existing solar projects plagued by overgrowth and runoff, raising concerns about fire risks from 720-foot turbines.

“I reached out to Cairo Volunteer Fire Department; I reached out to Robards Volunteer Fire Department," Nicholson said. "Neither one of those fire departments said that they have received training or are capable of handling a field fire of that extent, which concerns me."

Residents also worried about property value declines, health impacts from turbine noise and structural risks on reclaimed coal mine land, which lies in two seismic zones.

Cordelio Power, a renewable energy firm, countered that the project offers significant economic advantages. CEO John Carson emphasized financial benefits for landowners.

“This is an economic project, not just an environmental one,” Carson said. “Landowners get reliable payments for decades, supporting local families and farms.”

He also addressed concerns about shadow flicker, the strobe-like effect from turbine blades blocking sunlight and noise.

“Shadow flicker is about 10 minutes a day,” he said. “Noise is often less than perceived. Visit our sites in Illinois or Arkansas to see the reality.”“Shadow flicker is about 10 minutes a day,” he said. “Noise is often less than perceived. Visit our sites in Illinois or Arkansas to see the reality.”

Judge Executive Brad Schneider defended the court’s transparency, refuting claims of secrecy in a June 16 Facebook post. He noted public discussions since 2023, including a Feb. 2023 Planning Commission hearing on wind-testing towers and a 2024 work session on a solar moratorium where Rock Bluff was discussed.

Schneider highlighted Cordelio’s downtown Henderson office, which opened more than a year ago, and its project website. 

Schneider also addressed calls for a referendum, stating in a June 17 post that County Clerk Renesa Abner confirmed with the Kentucky State Board of Elections that state law does not permit a countywide vote on wind turbines. The fiscal court emphasized that the moratorium, formalized through a new zoning ordinance, avoids legal risks like unconstitutional “takings” by aligning with the planning commission’s timeline for developing regulations.

The resolution imposes an immediate moratorium on wind energy applications, directs the Henderson City-County Planning Commission to hold public hearings and allows small-scale wind systems for residential use. The commission will study environmental impacts, health risks, property values and decommissioning processes, with findings due by July 1, 2026, or sooner if zoning amendments are approved.

Residents Rachel Bray and Deirdre McCarthy urged for broader studies and inclusive public forums, criticizing daytime meetings that exclude working residents.

McCarthy suggested involving local experts, such as Audubon naturalists, to assess tourism and ecological impacts. Meanwhile, existing solar projects in Robards, facing issues like low water pressure and road damage, fueled skepticism about green energy management.

The moratorium buys time, but the divide remains stark. Supporters, including Cordelio, said they see economic potential through lease payments and tax revenue, while opponents said they fear harm to Henderson’s natural character. Public hearings will begin next month, offering residents a chance to shape the county’s renewable energy future.

As the Planning Commission prepares to gather input, Henderson County faces a pivotal moment: balancing economic opportunity with community and environmental concerns. The outcome could set a precedent for how rural Kentucky navigates the transition to renewable energy.