CHANDLER – Enel Green Power has encountered stiff political headwinds against another of its wind farms.
This time, the company’s Cedar Run Wind Project faces a possible moratorium on any wind farms in Lincoln County. County Commissioners have voiced their support for a moratorium and will officially decide next Tuesday.
Apex Clean Energy has proposed the Sandstone Hills Wind farm, where 80 to 100 wind turbines would be erected. Residents near the site voiced their concerns at a recent meeting, KOKH-TV reported. The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma also indicated it stands with opponents to the proposed farms.
To address the opposition, Apex issued a statement to clarify any confusion existing between its project and the one by Enel Green Power.
“Obviously we were surprised the commissioners brought up the possibility of a moratorium and countywide zoning at the start of the meeting, and that they might vote on that as soon as next week,” the company wrote.
“Since that decision affects landowner rights far beyond our project and comes at a cost to all residents, all we can do is urge those who weren’t present today to make their thoughts and interests known before” the March 26 meeting.
Enel Green Power did not comment about the opposition. The company recently lost a federal court battle over 84 wind turbines it constructed several years ago in Osage County, where minerals are controlled by the Osage Tribe. A judge ordered the firm to remove its turbines but the company indicated it will likely appeal.