Henry County Residents Voice Opinions on Proposed Wind Energy Ordinance
By Hayden Douglas, KILJ News Director
A public hearing held in Henry County drew a crowd of concerned residents and stakeholders Tuesday evening, as the Board of Supervisors invited comment on a proposed ordinance regulating large-scale wind energy projects.
The meeting, held in the County Court room, began with an overview of the evening’s structure. Citizens were allotted three minutes each to voice support, opposition, or suggestions regarding the ordinance drafted by the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Copies of the proposed language and relevant zoning sections were available for attendees.
Public Opinions Divided but Engaged
Bob B. was the first to speak, commending the Supervisors and zoning committee for their hard work and stating that the ordinance, particularly Article 9, “looks pretty good.” However, he voiced concerns about the lack of fire suppression requirements in turbine units, as seen in neighboring counties.
Several other speakers addressed concerns regarding RWE, a company reportedly interested in developing wind projects in the area. Lynn Humphreys criticized the company for failing to follow up on public questions from a town hall held more than a year ago.
Melanie Patton called for additional provisions, including mandated fire suppression systems and careful monitoring of road use agreements with the county engineer. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding farmland and the future of Henry County.
In contrast, Bryan Messer questioned the legitimacy of the ordinance’s legal foundation. He cited a previous public statement from the Henry County Attorney’s Office, warning that elements of an earlier draft ordinance were likely indefensible in court. Messer criticized what he perceived as selective enforcement and a double standard in land use decisions.
Closing and Next Steps
As the final public comments were made, the board expressed appreciation for the civil tone of the discussion. Chairman Marc Lindeen comments noted that while this ordinance represents progress, future meetings will be scheduled to address remaining concerns and potential adjustments.
The hearing adjourned without a vote, signaling that further review and deliberation are likely before any ordinance is enacted. The 2nd of 3 public hearings will be Tuesday April 29th at 9am in the supervisors room. Stay tuned to KILJ for updates on this developing story.