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A wind farm is currently in the planning process to the
north-northwest of Lincoln.
The Hartsburg-Emden FFA ag issues team consists of six members:
Emma Cross, Tommy Zinser, Daniell Horn, Nolan Lessen, Josh Clark and
Alex Lessen. Each played roles representing varying interests both
for and against the construction of wind farms. Following their
scripted presentation that covered general and some specific
information on the benefits and real or speculated objections to
wind farms, the team took questions from the audience.
A wide range of questions, some tough, were posed. Each question
was answered by individuals who had specialized accordingly in one
aspect or another. Questions were asked about medical effects,
effects on wildlife, costs and government subsidies.
Does the government subsidize windmills and how?
Yes, the federal government does subsidize, and it is on a
renewable contract. A green tax credit is offered for no pollution.
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What happens if the company goes out of business and the property
owner doesn't want the windmill there?
There is a decommission fund set up to take down a tower, and
there is an escrow account should the company go out of business.
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A recent report suggested that the windmills may repel animals.
One farmer brought chuckles when he said, "That's fine, as long as
they don't push deer into my corn."
A team member said that there has not been research performed and
the effects on wildlife are unknown yet.
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An early windmill farm in California had a large number of bird
kills. It was found that it was on a migration route. Also, the
towers were of the old ladder-rung style that birds would roost on.
No additional large quantities of birds have been known to be
affected. The new style is a sleek, solid, sloping unit.
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An audience member wanted to know where the electricity produced
would go.
Electricity produced is generally sent to a grid and placed on
the open market. AmerenCILCO has bid on this, and the power would be
sent to Missouri
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Other facts presented by the team while answering questions:
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The field east of
Bloomington will have 240 turbines when completed
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The Logan County
field can support 66 turbines
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The number of
turbines is determined by the size power grid it will deliver
its power to.
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Each turbine has
the potential to produce 1.5 megawatts
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At full capacity
and current prices the 66 turbines would produce $690 power per
day; they produce an average of 30 percent capacity per day
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Hartsburg, Olympia
and Delavan school districts will receive increased taxes.
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Illinois has high
utility rates. The use of wind energy is expected to stabilize
rates
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Illinois is
committed to achieving 10 percent renewable fuel use for its
energy; 75 percent of that is to come from wind.
Adam Cross was the team's computer technician and handled visual
aids. The group was accompanied by FFA sponsor and agriculture
teacher Betsy Pech and assistant coach Lisa Wrage.
This was the 13th and final presentation on wind energy by the
Hartsburg-Emden FFA team. They will be taking it to the FFA
competition at Western Illinois University on Feb. 9.
[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]
Past related article:
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