Rural Columbus Residents Organize Opposition to Alliant Energy's Proposed Wind Farm
Key Insights
Residents in Columbus, Wisconsin, are petitioning for stricter wind turbine regulations amid Alliant Energy's plans for a 48,000-acre wind farm in the county.
A special town meeting was called to address concerns, but its legality was questioned due to open meeting law violations, delaying further discussions.
Local attorney Frank Liska highlighted safety risks, including fire hazards and challenges for emergency responders, urging the need for protective ordinances.
The project, slated for operation by 2028, has sparked widespread opposition, with residents citing environmental and health concerns.
Residents of rural Columbus, Wisconsin, are mobilizing against Alliant Energy's proposed wind farm, which would span 48,000 acres in the southeastern part of the county. A special meeting was held Wednesday at the request of concerned citizens, aiming to draft stricter regulations for wind turbines. However, the meeting's legality was challenged by Town Board chair Darren Schroeder, who cited violations of open meeting laws, leaving residents to continue discussions informally.
Frank Liska, a retired attorney and local resident, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the potential dangers of the wind turbines. He pointed to overheating bearings, which could lead to fires or mechanical failures, and noted the lack of firefighting equipment capable of reaching the turbines' heights. Liska also raised concerns about the impact on medical helicopter operations, which are critical for rural emergencies. "The ordinance is not just for today—it's for tomorrow," he stressed, advocating for preemptive measures to protect the community.
The project, spearheaded by Columbus Wind, LLC, has been in development for two years, with Alliant Energy targeting a 2028 operational date. While only 45 properties would host turbines, the broader implications for safety, environment, and local infrastructure have galvanized opposition. Residents like Lori Schwoerer, who was approached by developers, are now part of a growing movement demanding greater oversight.
The town board is set to revisit the issue on July 14, when the petition to hire legal counsel for drafting ordinances will be formally addressed. The outcome could set a precedent for how rural communities negotiate with energy developers amid the push for renewable energy expansion.