KARRE Kansas Alliance for Responsible Renewable Energy
Welcome to KARRE's March 2020 Newsletter! In this issue:- What is KARRE Anyway?
- County Updates
- Federal Issues That Are Affecting
Kansas
- Advice for Approaching County Leaders: Dave Oas
- Happenings at the State Level
- Economic Focus
- Effects on Property Values
- Wildlife Concerns: Margy Stewart
- Helpful Resources
- How EZT Can
Help
- From My Front Porch: Sunny Milleson
|
What is KARRE Anyway?With a healthy dose of year-round wind, Kansas is a prime target for wind energy development, but not all Kansans are excited about the prospect of towering turbines near their homes. The Kansas Alliance for Responsible Renewable Energy (KARRE) is a statewide coalition of citizens who represent multiple opposition groups throughout the state. Our mission is to
educate and to offer support and mentorship to Kansans who are concerned about the economic, aesthetic, and potentially harmful health effects created by industrial wind projects.
|
|
|
Help us name our newsletter! We’re looking for a name, for our newsletter, and we’d like to hear your ideas. For example, the Seneca Anti-Wind Union in Ohio named their newsletter the “The Windbreaker,” which we love, but we don’t want to copy them. Click here to tell us what you think we should name our newsletter.
|
|
MCPHERSON COUNTY UPDATE The citizens of McPherson County began fighting industrial wind projects in 2005, and as a result, their Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) issued a countywide moratorium the following year. In 2016, unbeknownst to the public, NextEra began quietly signing leases in the county – while the moratorium was still in place – and soon after, EDF began signing leases. In 2017, Commissioner, Keith Becker, signed a lease with NextEra, and a few months later, Becker and the other two commissioners voted to lift the moratorium. Without a moratorium for protection, the citizens quickly formed a large opposition group dedicated to informing and educating the public. Since that
time, the BOCC has issued a temporary moratorium to remain in place until the County’s new 911 system is constructed. Meanwhile, the cities of McPherson, Galva, and Canton, have all declared moratoriums in their 3-mile extrajudicial territory outside the city limits. Follow McPherson County's story on their Facebook page.
|
LABETTE COUNTY UPDATE The Labette County Commission learned of local lease agreements being signed with developers long before any were filed with the Registrar of Deeds. In a 2-1 vote, Commissioners Lonnie Addis and Doug Allen voted in favor of enacting a one-year moratorium preventing industrial wind development (IWD) construction, effective November 7, 2019. Commissioner Fred Vail voted against the resolution. Commissioners then empaneled a five-member advisory committee to research multiple concerns related to IWDs and to conduct town hall meetings throughout the county (which are live-streamed on Facebook). The advisory committee has no voting authority, but will make recommendations
to the Commission. At the most recent town hall meeting (Feb. 17th), Brandon Hernandez, with RWE Renewables, spoke to, and took questions from, committee members, attendees, and Facebook viewers. He was unable to provide many answers, but promised to get answers. We’ll see. Renewable Energy Awareness - Labette county Facebook group
|
MARION COUNTY UPDATE Citizens of Marion County have seen more than their fair share of wind projects. In 2018, the Diamond Vista project (95 turbines manufactured in Spain) was built in the NW part of the county. More recently, commissioners voted to approve Expedition Wind, a project near Peabody, with just one commissioner, Dianne Novak, voting against approval. Expedition Wind, which is being developed by Minnesota company, "National Renewable Solutions," gerrymandered the borders of their project map to undermine the Kansas Statute that provides citizens with a measure of protection against unwanted projects in their communities. After the project was approved, a number of citizens filed a lawsuit against the county citing a denial of their right to submit a protest petition, among other things. In December of 2019, Novak proposed a moratorium on future wind projects to give the county time to evaluate the impact of the rushed decisions that had already been made. Novak is staunch in defending the rights of Marion County citizens, and she works tirelessly to protect the rest of her county from turbine sprawl. Follow Marion County’s fight on their Facebook page.
|
RENO COUNTY UPDATE In a story that’s way too common, NextEra began quietly signing leases in Reno County, and when citizens got word, a large opposition group formed. In April, 2019, after days of testimony from Reno County citizens, the Reno County Planning Commission recommended that the County Commission deny NextEra’s proposal. Not taking any chances, Reno citizens worked around the clock to gather protest petitions from landowners in the project area. Kansas statute provides that if owners of at least 20% of the
property near a project contest it, the commissioners must obtain a 3/4 vote in order to approve the project. In Reno, with just three commissioners, that meant a unanimous vote. Citizens were successful in gathering petitions in excess of 46%, and commissioners voted 2-to-1 to approve the project, which triggered an automatic denial. NextEra, who had passed itself off as a “good neighbor,” promptly sued the County to get the petitions thrown out. Since then, a citizens group has petitioned to join the lawsuit to protect their interests. They recently held a successful fundraiser to help defray legal costs. Follow the Reno County story on their Facebook page.
|
NEOSHO COUNTY UPDATE In 2019, during an intense debate between wind developer, Apex, and a large citiaen opposition, two Neosho County Commissioners stepped down. As a result, two new commissioners were appointed. The first one, David Orr, was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly. Orr had twice run for the commission only to be defeated both times. The second person, Gail Klaassen, was appointed by political committee. Within days of the Klaassens' appointment, the commission voted 2-to-1 to approve the Neosho Ridge wind project. The only commissioner who voted against the project was Paul Westhoff, whose district encompasses the area of the project. The other two districts were not targeted by Apex. Neosho citizens expressed their displeasure at the project
being approved by two recently appointed commissioners whose districts were not affected by the project. A lawsuit has been filed by concerned citizens and is currently pending. Meanwhile, Apex is in the process of developing the project, and citizens in the area report that “Apex is tearing up the countryside as fast as they can,” and “it’s a complete mess over here." Follow Neosho’s story on their Facebook page.
|
BOURBON COUNTY UPDATE Citizens of Bourbon are currently in an intense struggle. Apex Clean Energy began quietly signing leases last year in the county. The proposed project, called “Jayhawk Wind,” is facing a large grassroots opposition that formed in just a few short months. While the Board of County Commissioners has not yet signed any agreements with Apex, they are currently in talks with the wind company’s attorneys. Attorneys for the opposition, now numbering over 1200 citizens and growing rapidly, presented the commission with a document reminding commissioners of their oath and informing them that the project could put the well being of Bourbon County citizens at risk. A
company providing life flight services, MASA, stated the turbines would make some portions of the county inaccessible to their helicopters. The document also called for an impact study on potential transportation disruptions and a study on how the project might impact Fort Scott’s airport. In addition to concerned individuals, multiple businesses in Bourbon County have gone on record as being opposed to the project, and the group is now in the process of distributing large signs to alert citizens to what's happening. Follow the Bourbon County opposition on their Facebook page.
|
|
NEMAHA COUNTY UPDATE To their constituents’ deep dismay, in July of 2019, Nemaha County Commissioners (Gary Scoby, Dennis Henry, and Tim Burdiek) approved the Soldier Creek Project, a NextEra industrial wind project with more than 120 turbines to be situated in the south half of the county. Located near the project’s footprint, the small city of Corning fought hard for three-mile extraterritorial zoning that would prevent turbines within 3 miles of their city limits. Just last week, NextEra’s attorney spoke to the City Council, advising them that the project was going to go ahead as planned – that there was nothing they could do to stop it – and that they needed to make a
decision whether to take money NextEra was offering to help maintain their streets that day – or the offer might be pulled from the table. Reluctantly, the council took the offer. Although there is a moratorium in the rest of Nemaha County, wind developers appear to be ignoring it. NextEra is pursuing the Irish Creek Project (120 turbines), and Invenergy is planning the Pony Express Project (320 turbines. If the two projects are approved, massive turbines will stretch from eastern Marshall County all the way across Nemaha County and into the western section of Brown County. Follow Nemaha’s story on their Facebook page and sign up for their newsletter.
|
|
|
Federal Issues Affecting KansasAs a result of the Appropriations Act that was passed in December of last year, wind companies won an extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) that was set to expire at the end of 2019. The original PTC Phase-Out was designed to wean wind companies off federal subsidies. In 2016, wind companies were receiving a 2.4 cents subsidy per kilowatt hour (pKh) of electricity they produced. In 2017, they received a 20% reduction in the subsidy. In 2018, they received 40%
reduction, and in 2019, they received a 60% reduction. Now comes the interesting part -- not only did the Appropriations Act of 2019 extend the PTC for wind developers, it bounced their subsidy back to the 2018 amount (a 40% reduction). In addition, the subsidy was adjusted for inflation from 2.4 cents per kWh to 2.5 cents per kWh, so we can safely say American taxpayers are still lining the pockets of Big Wind.
|
|
How to Approach County LeadersThe following letter is from Dave Oas (founding member of KARRE) to a Bourbon County citizen who was preparing to approach the local Board of County Commissioners. It contains good advice... "I understand you have concerns about how to best approach the Bourbon County Commission when you speak tonight. I suspect you'll speak from your heart, whatever you say, and I can't think of a more powerful way to express your concerns. It's my belief
that policy makers (legislators, commissioners, department heads, etc.) are influenced by one of three motivations; 1) To do the right and honorable thing; 2) Power, wealth, and influence; 3) Fear. When dealing with policy makers, it's really helpful to understand what's motivating their decisions. "Those who want to serve the interests of others will welcome, and even seek out, your perspectives before making decisions that are in the best interests of everyone. These are the kind of responsive leaders that truly grow and strengthen communities. "Policy makers who use their position to advance their own interests (power, wealth, and influence) are, of course, corrupt. They won't consider the viewpoints of
others, especially if those viewpoints hinder their self-serving goals. They may act receptive, but they won't be reasoned with. They need to be removed from positions of authority. "Fear is a powerful motivator. That's why it's so often used by others in power, to influence policy decisions. Policy makers may fear losing an upcoming election, looking foolish, being charged with a crime, or being sued. Policy makers, influenced by fear, can also become unresponsive to the community they serve. Occasionally though, they may change their position, or remove themselves from office, to escape the fear they feel. "I'm not sure what motivations are driving your county commissioners, but it
doesn't appear to be honor. If this is true, let's hope they're acting out of a fear of looking foolish. As your number of concerned citizens grow and become more vocal, your commissioners may decide it's in their best interest to act on your behalf. Let's hope this is still in the realm of possibility. "One question that I ask policy makers is this: "If, as developers claim, wind energy developments are good for the communities that host them, why aren't they being showcased? "I ask them to cite half a dozen communities, of similar population densities, natural resources, demographics, and land use,
that are prospering, two or more years, after hosting an industrial wind development. They can't even name one, but there are scores of communities fractured from the debate, and burdened by a loss of prosperity. - The Neosho Ridge Wind project in Neosho County isn't even complete yet, and it's residents are facing a proposed
INCREASE in property taxes. - Landowners, who signed lease agreements with the developer of the Prairie Queen Wind project in Allen County, Kansas, are currently unable to sell any property that's part of the lease agreements. A local business that supplied labor and materials to the project, hasn't been paid nearly $1.8 million dollars it's owed from the developer. They've attached a mechanic's lien to the project until the lien is satisfied.
"I think the concerned citizens of Bourbon county are already doing everything possible to try to slow this train down. Unfortunately, you didn't realize you would have to fight to preserve your quality of life, until the project was well under
way. "If I can be of any support to you, Kim, or others there, please call me anytime." Dave
Happenings at the State LevelEarlier this month, Governor Kelly signed an Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) to move the Kansas Energy Office out of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) in order to form an independent Energy Office. The move, which was enthusiastically supported by wind lobbyists and renewable energy groups, was intended as the first step in creating a State Energy Plan. A plan of this type has long been sought by Big Wind supporters as a potential way to reduce the ability
of local communities to deny wind projects in their area. Some fear Kelly’s move is a “green agenda” designed to undermine Home Rule. Legislators in the Kansas House of Representatives are not taking Kelly’s ERO lightly, and on Feb. 12th, they introduced HR 6031, a resolution that disapproves the ERO. No hearing has been set, but KARRE members are hopeful HR 6031 will pass.
Economic FocusWhen wind developers approach landowners and county leaders, they promise a financial windfall for those who sign leases as well as for the community at large. County leaders are often lured by the promise of this financial boon, especially if the county is in need of cash flow. Before county leaders approve a wind project proposal, however, they should perform a net financial analysis to determine not only the amount of money that will come in but also the potential loss in revenue to the community. - Potential loss includes reduced crop yield due to turbine-related bat fatalities. Bats feed on pests, such as crop-damaging larvae, and it’s estimated that the little critters are worth $1 billion to agriculture.
- The promise of new jobs is likely inflated, according to a study
conducted by the American Energy Alliance (AEA) and the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR).
- If a community is a tourist attraction, it could lose anywhere from 2% to 6% in tourism revenue annually, according to a detailed study conducted by the Scottish government.
- According to a study conducted by Energy Ventures Analysis, county officials should require a minimum $100K decommissioning cost bond per
turbine. Failure to address decommissioning costs at the outset has resulted in wind developers abandoning the turbines and leaving residents to pay decommissioning costs.
|
Effects on Property ValuesWind companies are fond of saying their projects do not reduce property values, and they have studies to back up their claims. The problem with those studies, however, is that they factor in sales up to 10 miles from a turbine, and they also include the sales of homes where hills and mountains block the sight of turbines. In addition, those studies do not include homes so near turbines that they do not sell at any cost and their owners end up walking away. Impact on the value of a home is related to whether turbines are visible from the property. - A peer-reviewed study conducted by the London School of Economics determined when turbines are visible from the property, the reduction in home value is “substantial.”
- Another study conducted by Appraisal Group One indicated that home values are negatively impacted anywhere from -12% to -40% of their value.
- The
testimony of Certified Appraiser, Michael S. McCann, puts the loss in property value of homes within 2-miles of an industrial wind turbine at -25% to -40%.
If wind companies truly believe their projects will have no negative impacts, they need to stand prepared to buy out homeowners at fair market value. If they cannot/will not do that – their proposals should be denied.
|
Wildlife ConcernsAudubon of Kansas (AOK) advocates for Kansas prairies, wildlife habitat, and the wildlife of Kansas. For years our position on wind power was similar to that of the general public’s: We were for wind power “as long as it is correctly sited.” For us “correct siting” meant following the guidelines for wind turbines set forth by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT).* These guidelines are intended to protect native ecosystems, crucial habitat, threatened species—and above all, the few remaining expanses of Kansas’s native prairie. But AOK is revisiting its position now as too many wind companies do not respect Kansas’s guidelines. Like Diogenes looking for an honest man, we are searching for a “correctly sited” industrial-scale wind installation. Three times in the past year, in response to appeals from local citizens, we have written letters to the editor protesting atrocious siting. We examined proposed developments and then detailed specific violations of KDWPT guidelines: - NextEra, Reno County. We wrote, “NextEra proposes turbines for native prairie, for a
migration corridor, for Designated Critical Habitat for the Arkansas Darter, for the flight path of endangered Whooping Cranes, for areas near wetlands, and for locations within three miles of a KDWPT managed area. “ (AOK to Hutchinson News, 4-18-19)
- Expedition Wind, Marion County. We wrote, “The KDWPT guidelines warn against siting turbines in native prairie. Expedition Wind proposes siting turbines in over 16,000 acres of native prairie.… There is nothing “green” about any project that damages a valuable and endangered ecosystem.” (AOK to Marion County Record, 2-4-20)
- Apex Clean Energy, Bourbon County. We wrote, “It appears that Apex is still intending to site turbines in tens of thousands of acres of native prairie, despite having learned the following from KDWPT: ‘Numerous records of Mead’s Milkweed indicate the potential for diverse, high-quality native tallgrass prairie to be impacted by the project….we consider all remaining native grasslands crucial to the overall well-being of many of our state’s wildlife species’ (Eddy to Seltzer, April 6, 2018). Nor is Apex cooperating in the protection of the forest and riparian areas within the project site that are essential habitat for the state-listed Broadhead Skink, as well as for the threatened Spring Peeper. In addition, Apex has made no commitment to
respect a three-mile buffer around Hollister Wildlife Area, even though KDWPT pointed out that Apex’s proposed 41,291-acre project was not even a mile away from this KDWPT-managed location.” (AOK to Fort Scott Tribune, 2-13-20)
At a meeting in Reno County on April 4, 2019, NextEra dismissed KDWPT’s guidelines as “purely a recommendation…not a rule or a regulation.” So how can we insist that Kansas wildlife be respected? One way would be to petition our county commissions and our state legislature to give the KDWPT guidelines the force of law. Wind energy advocates say regulations would keep the wind industry out of Kansas. But if respect for wildlife is a deal-breaker, how can
environmental organizations be “for” that particular industry? That’s the question AOK is wrestling with right now. AOK’s updated position will be announced in a future newsletter. *Retrieved from https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Environmental-Reviews/Wind-Power-and-Wildlife-Issues-in-Kansas/Wind-Power-Position, 5-19-19. --Margy Stewart, Trustee and Past Chair, Audubon of Kansas
HELPFUL RESOURCESAcademy for Climate and Energy Analysis (ACEA): Founded by Kansas Senator and meteorologist, Mike Thompson, ACEA offers science-based information about renewable energy, climate change, and the likely future of energy production. U.S. Wind Turbine Database:
Here you can find the exact location of every industrial wind turbine in the United States. Zoom-in and mouse-over to learn the height, manufacturer, and other pertinent details. If the turbines appear as black dots, they’re not online yet. Institute for Energy Research (IER): This non-profit organization researches and analyzes national and global energy markets in an impartial manner in order to help make energy affordable to all. Wind
Action: Dedicated to providing information on industrial wind energy, enabling communities and government officials to make informed decisions.
|
How ETZ Can HelpWind companies have been known to target counties that have little or no zoning regulations, and then threaten to file suit against those counties if the county leaders do not approve their industrial wind projects. Whenever possible, comprehensive countywide zoning should be pursued in order to keep aggressive wind companies at bay, but even without county zoning, small communities can take advantage of Kansas laws designed to offer them a measure of protection. Enter ETZ (extraterritorial zoning), which allows a community to extend its own zoning regulations
(pursuant to KS Statute 12-715b) up to three miles outside the city limits. When a community adopts EZT, it can effectively issue a moratorium against industrial wind projects within the three-mile range outside the city limits. Read how Sebetha, KS Established EZT for its community in 2019.
|
From My Front PorchFrom our porch we have seen golden wheat waving in the wind, an explosion of color as sunflowers grow in the field, and leaves fall from the trees as winter approaches. We’ve watched as wildlife come to our pond to drink and as deer hide their fawns in the tall grass in the tree line. We have seen the sun paint the sky pink, red and orange as the days begin and end. We’ve watched storms roll in and clouds dance by. As we’ve sat on our porch we have prayed for rain, for crops to grow and for our family’s safety. We’ve watched nephews and nieces run wild in the open fields and catch lightening bugs and
collect rocks. We’ve sat with our neighbors discussing the current state of farming and ranching. We’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and life’s accomplishments here. We’ve watched calves be born and we’ve watched as they play in the pasture. On the fourth of July we can sit on our porch and watch the firework shows from all the small towns around us. We’ve taken hundreds of pictures from our front porch, as we try to capture the beauty of the country to share with our friends that don’t get to experience it. We’ve made plans here, we’ve healed hearts here and we have found peace here. We were sitting on our porch when we decided to fight for the preservation of our prairies, our way of life and the future of our state. Looking forward I see that we will continue to sit on our
porch, discussing strategy and making plans, while enjoying the beauty of our surroundings and praying that the view from our porch won’t change. We would love to hear from you. Please share your front porch stories and pictures with us. You can email them to frommyfrontporchKS@gmail.com. If you post pictures on Instagram, etc. please use the hashtag #frommyfrontporchKS so that we can share our stores and pictures with each other. Thank you. Column and photo by Sunny Milleson
Send corrections and story suggestions to editor.karre@gmail.com. Images in this issue are either the property of contributors or are in the public domain. - KARRE: March 2020
- editor: Glenda Taylor
|