Originally published February 21 2005
Wind power gains interest in Wisconsin, but some residents think wind turbines are too unsightly
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
When Wisconsin's Kewaunee County put up 31 wind turbines in order to harness wind power, neighboring Door County quickly created strict regulations to limit the construction of wind turbines in the county. While Door County considers the large wind turbines to be unsightly, many people are attracted to them and the power they can provide without the need for fossil fuels.
The Hippensteel family in southern Door County loves windy days.
Three windmills and two solar panels behind their Clay Banks home provide electrical power all year long.
"We run off energy collected in batteries in the basement when there's no wind or sun," John Hippensteel said.
Hippensteel runs a for-profit company specializing in alternative energy sources called Lake Michigan Wind & Sun.
His family feels good about the clean energy and independence of not relying on the state's power grid.
But trying to convince neighbors and county officials about the benefits of wind power has been difficult.
In 1999, Door County adopted ordinances requiring large tracts of property just to erect a single commercial wind turbine, largely because neighboring Kewaunee County suddenly attracted 31 of the giant white structures on two wind farms.
There are signs of growing interest in wind as an energy source in the county.
A meeting held Wednesday by the Door County Environmental Council drew 130 people, and most of them expressed support or curiosity about wind turbines.
The council has established a Renewable Energy Task Force to promote alternative energy and, possibly, propose a new ordinance that would be less restrictive.
"I believe wind power is good for the environment and the economy, and I think the people of Door County should be able to take advantage of it," Hippensteel said Wednesday.
The lakeshore areas of Door and Kewaunee counties are considered some of the windiest locations in the state.
But controversy over wind turbines almost killed the two big wind farms in Kewaunee, owned by Wisconsin Public Service Corp. and Madison Gas and Electric Co.
Common objections to turbines are based on the visual impact, looming shadows, swooshing noise from the blades and occasional injury to birds and bats.
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