Visiting family in Northern Madison County Indiana. There is a wind farm here. Locals welcomed it (for the most part) because it was to create jobs and lower energy costs. Fast forward a few years and I noticed this visit that about. 1/3 of the windmills aren’t turning-they aren’t in operation, which locals tell me is not unusual. Lack of maintenance. But the electricity costs? They never went down. Apparently Chicago is the beneficiary of the electricity generated here. And the locals get a blighted landscape.
As I drive through this familiar sleepy town and the country roads around it I see signs “No Solar Farms”. Probably 100 of them. Which doesn’t sound like much unless you compare it to the sparse population. And those that say “Go Solar”. Exactly TWO. Both on the same property. I assume—of the family that will get the rent from the solar company. The solar company is asking for permission to build a solar farm and asking for tax abatement. I am told that, once again, the power will go elsewhere. And hundreds of acres of prime farm land will be permanently idled, and residents views and property values will be destroyed.
From my drive, it appears as though the locals are overwhelmingly against this . But the county is moving forward. I have to wonder who is getting paid by who. Come on journalists, investigate! Before this beautiful and peaceful farmland is ruined forever, just so some city slickers can save $2 a month (if that) on their electric bill!