Political Winds Part Three of a Series: Transparency Concerns In Wind Farm Debate

By Gordon HopkinsConcerns have been raised about transparency in the ongoing wind farm debate in Jefferson County.Last year, Jefferson County Commissioners issued a moratorium on wind farm applications to review the regulations governing a wide variety of issues, such as setbacks, noise, shadow flicker, decommissioning and others. Since that time, there has been a concerted campaign by both supporters and opponents of wind farms to garner public support and get information out about wind farms, both pro and con.There is already one wind farm in the county, Steele Flats Wind Farm in Diller. That farm is owned and operated by NextEra Energy Resources, which is interested in building another, Big Blue Wind. NextEra currently has four wind projects and one solar project in Nebraska, including Steele Flats.Accusations that NextEra has not been forthcoming with information about their plans have been raised in several public meetings. At a Village Board of Jansen meeting on Tuesday, April 5 of this year, Jenna Wietzki said, “And I think my biggest problem in the whole process is the lack of transparency. You’ve been working with commissioners for some time, most of the constituents that I spoke to did not know that this could happen here. And we are very disappointed with that lack of transparency.”Notices of meetings discussing farms have been published both in print and online. In addition, FJN has published a series of stories on the subject of wind farms, including dates when future meetings are to be held.Wietzki is an administrator of a Facebook group called Jefferson County Wind Watchers, which is largely opposed to any further wind energy development in the county.Jansen Village MeetingFJN has learned that a special meeting of the Jansen Village Board was held to discuss wind farm regulations on March 18. Jefferson County Commissioner Gale Pohlmann and Jefferson and Saline County Emergency Manager John McKee were present at that meeting. However, FJN was not informed of the meeting at the time, nor was anyone from NextEra. Matthew Jones, project developer for NextEra Energy Resources, told FJN, “We were not invited to that meeting or made aware.”Kesha Eldridge serves as chairperson of the Jansen Village Board.Notice of the meeting was not published, either in print or online. Eldridge told FJN that notice of the meeting was posted at the town hall, the post office, and the bank.FJN met with Eldridge after the meeting and asked to be informed in the future when such meetings take place. Eldridge told FJN, “We do not publicize our agendas. They are posted publicly for everyone to see.”Harbine Village MeetingLast week, Eldridge attended village board meetings in Steele City and Harbine, both to discuss wind farms.FJN reached out to NextEra to ask if they were aware wind farm regulations were being discussed at these meetings. Sara Cassidy, NextEra Energy Resources spokesperson, responded, “At NextEra Energy Resources, we believe in building strong partnerships with the communities we serve and having open and transparent communication. We were disappointed to not have had the opportunity to participate in the recent discussions about the siting of wind projects in this area. With all of our projects, we strive to establish a cooperative relationship with the community, listen to our neighbors and share information.”Cassidy added, “We remain interested in developing in the area and bringing numerous economic benefits to the community, including the potential for millions of dollars in additional tax revenue which can be used to enhance schools, roads and essential services. We’re committed to working closely with local officials to address any questions about our proposed project or wind energy development.”FJN was unaware of Eldridge’s intention to attend the meeting in Steele City until after the fact but learned about the Harbine meeting the day of.Wind farm regulations were not on the agenda. However, Commissioner Mark Schoenrock did attend the meeting to give an update on county activities, including the wind farm moratorium. He later said, “I thought it would take two minutes.”The wind farm portion of the meeting lasted well over an hour.Steven Spilker, chairman of the Harbin Village Board, said there were more people in attendance at that meeting than he had ever seen before. There were 13 in attendance total, including board members and FJN staff. Spilker said the meetings usually just consist of the board.FJN asked attendees how they knew wind farms were being discussed at the meeting. Some indicated they had been called by Eldridge. Others were told by friends or relatives.Spilker said, “This, basically, is our board of town meeting. It’s not a platform for a debate on wind farms, pro or con. I mean, I’m sure they’re coming in here and they affect us and we’re all aware that there’s been plenty of talk in the county and opportunity for debate held already.”“We’re not ready to debate the issue,” said Spilker. “We want to do that and we have to do that but at a later meeting and we have to have everybody. Both sides.When asked why no one from NextEra was invited to the meeting, Eldridge said, “The purpose of this meeting was to discuss with another municipality, from my perspective about setbacks, setbacks away from communities. That is none of NextEra’s business.”The setback will determine where, or if, NextEra can place wind turbines in Jefferson County.The Public’s Right to KnowFJN has reached out to Eldridge on multiple occasions to ask what other meetings she has attended to talk about wind farms and if she intends to attend any future village board meetings. FJN also asked if she is attending these meetings in her capacity as chairperson of the Jansen Village Board or as a private citizen. As of press time, she has not answered any of these questions.What Happens NextJefferson County Commissioners is waiting recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Committee for new wind farms regulations. Commissioners have noted that the majority of the Planning and Zoning Committee members are farmers or other employed in the Ag industry and, as a result, will likely not be able to address the wind farm regulations in any substantive manner until at least August due to the planting season.

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