Nebraskans Speak on Wind

Cortland, Nebraska – Approximately 100 residents from Cortland, Hallam and surrounding communities and from as far away as Gretna and Nebraska City met at the Cortland Community Center last night, Tuesday, January 27th to discuss the proposed development of a wind farm in the area and other related issues at a Wind Information Forum hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs and Lancaster County Farmers Union.

Participants heard from a panel of Nebraskans who have first-hand experience with wind development, and were able to ask questions and discuss their hopes for and concerns about wind energy development in the area.
“Everyone in and around communities impacted by wind energy development deserves an opportunity to ask questions and have their voices heard,” said Virginia Meyer, Rural Organizer for the Center for Rural Affairs. “We’ve heard from people in the community, who will be directly impacted by the proposed wind project, that they haven’t had a chance to engage in a public conversation on the project.”

This meeting emphasized the importance of community involvement and input. We’ve seen wind bring significant benefits to rural communities but we know it must be developed and sited in a way that works for the community, Meyer added. Attendees shared their siting concerns and came away with ideas about how to ensure developers site projects in ways that work for the entire local community.

Several attendees asked why their area had been chosen for potential wind development. Members of the panel noted that the Cortland area was outside of the central flyway, meaning it would have less impact on migrating birds. They also noted that there was already existing transmission infrastructure in the area that new wind generation could connect to.

According to Meyer, professionals from multiple fields were at the forum to address questions and share ideas.  Panelists included Ross Knott, president and CEO of Petersburg State Bank in Petersburg, Nebraska, Caroline Jezierski, Nebraska Wind Energy and Wildlife Project Coordinator at the University of Nebraska School of Natural Resources, and David Vavra, Chairman of the Saline County Wind Association.

“Many Nebraskans have questions about wind development, covering issues such property taxes, economic development, impacts on wildlife and payments to landowners,” concluded Meyer. “This forum provided participants the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered by knowledgeable experts.”

And a theme highlighted by the panelists and community members was the importance of the community coming together and working with each other to decide what is best for all of them, concluded Meyer.

For more information contact Virginia Meyer at the Center for Rural Affairs (402) 687-2103 ext. 1014 or email virginiam@cfra.org.
Photos from the event can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cfra/sets/72157650532810305/