Union letters to the editor

It was nice to see two of the five New London school board members, Jen Loyd and Becky Hays, at the four-day school week information meeting last Thursday night. It’s important due to the possibility the board will have the final say whether or not this measure passes.

You may wonder why this 79-year-old grandmother would care about this change. I have enough great nieces and nephews to make up a baseball team, and I worry about the little ones having time added to their already long day. At their age, it must seem like an eternity.

So much going on right now that affects our community, such as the possibility of wind turbines, four-day school week and our superintendent was seeking a transfer to a different school.

Please do your own research.

Koral Fuson

New London

Some facts and concerns about wind energy developers

The wind energy developers came to Henry County, Iowa, Board of Supervisors in the spring of 2022. In the fall of 2022, there was a town hall meeting in Swedesburg to explain wind energy and their project. They explained that the company, RWE, is a German based company with global investors.

The wind turbines for this project have been described as up to 650’ from the 12 o’clock tip of the blade to the base and clearance of the blade at 6 o’clock would be 50’ from 6 o’clock tip to the base. These turbines would be taller than the St. Louis Arch. I am assuming the reason for the turbines to be extremely large is because of the lower wind speeds of our area.

This project would likely have anywhere from 50-90 wind turbines in northern Henry County. I understand that 18,000 acres had been signed on with a projected goal of 30,000 acres. Maps (with signed on acres) can be found on the Henry County Supervisor website.

We are the experimental county because most wind turbines are in rural areas, whereas this project is not. This project surrounds the towns of: Wayland, Olds, Winfield and the unincorporated towns of Swedesburg, Trenton and Mt. Union. This raises several concerns regarding: noise, setbacks from dwellings, shadow flicker, the internet/cell service, aviation (for agriculture and medical emergencies), property values, health, etc. The energy generated from the wind turbines does not necessarily stay local. You will not see a reduction in your electric bills. Many citizens will not see a direct benefit from the turbine project, but we will have to live with the project’s adverse effects.

There are many people opposed to this project. Petitions are being distributed throughout Henry County by concerned citizens. The petition is asking for a 2-year moratorium on this project to allow the Henry County Board of Supervisors time to research and investigate this project.

The Board of Supervisors are requesting that we contact them via email (supervisors@henrycountyiowa.us) or by mail. They want to know specific concerns that we as citizens have. (You can find the existing ordinances on the Henry County, IA website) You can email Planning & Zoning the same email address as the Board of Supervisors.

There is a public “work session” meeting on March 12, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Henry County Courthouse. This meeting is meant for the Planning & Zoning Board to discuss any ordinances that might need changing. Because it is considered a “work session” the citizens may not be able to voice their concerns at this meeting, but it is important to the Planning & Zoning Board to know that there are a lot of concerned citizens. I highly encourage everyone to attend this meeting.

I’d like to thank the Board of Supervisors for continuing to consider the quality of our lives and value of our properties as they move forward with their decisions.

Dorothy Wenger

Mt. Pleasant

I’d rather see wind turbines than hog confinements

I found it interesting to read about the Washington County Supervisors proposed ordinance on wind turbines.

I am an active member of the Friends of Lake Darling State Park, and I can see no reason why turbines should have a set back of one mile from a park. I would rather see a dozen wind turbines around the park, than the hog confinements that are within a half mile up stream from the park.

Wind turbines don’t cause air pollution and odor or pollution of streams and are quieter than pigs in a confinement building.

The clause regarding loss of property value at a possible time of sale because of a wind turbine needs more thought. As a land owner, I would be happy to be compensated for a reduction of land value because of the large confinement building near my property should I sell.

It’s important for the supervisors to see the benefit clean energy supplied by wind turbines would have for all of Washington County.

Lyle Stacy

Brighton

Must strike balance between clean energy and preserving landscape

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed revisions to Henry County ordinances. I am writing to advocate revisions that lengthen distances of the turbines from homes, business, and towns, or a moratorium to research the long term effects of the RWE wind turbine project.

While I understand the desire to maintain the aesthetic appeal of our rural landscapes and the need to carefully consider the impact of industrial developments on our communities, I believe it is crucial to approach this issue with a balanced perspective. Our community needs to thoroughly research, discuss, and spread awareness regarding this project.

First and foremost, renewable energy sources such as wind power play a vital role in combating climate change and transitioning towards a more sustainable future. Iowa has been a leader in wind energy production, and further investment in this sector not only benefits the environment but also contributes to economic growth and job creation within our state. However, a large majority of these projects have been installed in counties that have a smaller population density compared to Henry County.

Additionally, it is important to recognize the potential financial benefits that a wind turbine farm could bring to our county. Revenue generated from lease agreements and property taxes can provide much-needed funding for local infrastructure projects, schools, and essential services, ultimately benefiting residents and enhancing the overall quality of life in our community.

However, these revenue streams are hard to determine based on the unpredictable final proposal of the project and an anticipated impact of 52 year contracts.

That being said, I acknowledge the valid concerns raised by some residents regarding potential noise pollution, reduced property assessment values, visual impact, and effects on wildlife associated with wind turbine installations. It is imperative that any proposed developments undergo thorough environmental assessments and community consultations to address these concerns and mitigate any adverse effects to the greatest extent possible.

Instead of outright rejecting the possibility of a wind turbine farm, I urge our county officials to work collaboratively with stakeholders, including residents, environmental experts, and discuss with county officials that have wind turbine industrial farms installed, to develop comprehensive guidelines and regulations that strike a balance between promoting clean energy development and preserving our rural landscapes and way of life.

By engaging in constructive dialogue and taking a proactive approach to sustainable development, we can ensure a brighter and inclusive communicative practices for generations to come.

Thank you for considering my perspective on this important issue.

Tina Mullin

Mt. Pleasant