Wind energy opponents attend hearing

Submitted information

COLUMBUS — A standing room only crowd of more than 150 people packed the Ohio State Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee meeting room on June 20 to oppose Substitute House Bill 114, which advocates closer wind turbine setbacks to people’s homes.

There were 20 people testifying in person against the bill, with several representing Van Wert County. Other counties represented included Champaign, Hardin, Seneca, Huron, Logan, and Richland counties. Many others presented written testimony opposing the bill.

Opponents noted the many problems associated with industrial wind turbines in populated rural areas, including the problems of flicker, noise, infrasound, vibration, blade failures, turbine fires, loss of property values, and especially the possibility of losing property rights should turbines be placed closer to homes.

If the bill remains in its present form, wind companies could encroach on private property without permission or compensation.

All those testifying noted the issues of health and safety, as well as the loss of property values and loss of property rights should this bill be adopted. If you have concerns with this issue, please contact members of the Energy and Natural Resources committee found at this website: www.ohiosenate.gov.