Anti-wind forums planned ahead of energy vote

Argus Leader

A sign against commercial wind farms in Lincoln County off of Hwy 18 near Canton on Thursday. Dakota Power Community Wind wants to put 500 wind turbines up in the state.

Wind energy opponents plan to hold two community meetings outlining their objections to a large-scale project in Lincoln County.

Wind Energy Concern About the Rural Environment, or We-Care SD, will host its sessions on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Liberty Elementary School in Harrisburg and 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Lennox Community Library.

The forums come in advance of a July 18 referendum vote on setback ordinances.

The company behind the wind development, Dakota Power Community Wind, says the Lincoln County Commission’s vote to keep wind turbines a half mile from homes is akin to a ban on wind.

We-Care SD’s members see the setbacks as necessary to protect property values, health and safety from the impact of large-scale turbines.