Tensions are on the rise in Eddy County over the PRC industrial wind tower project and the community is clearly divided.
A core questions comes to mind:
How do residents benefit from the installation of 118 660-foot behemoths scattered throughout a 43,000-acre plot in Wells and Eddy County?
I believe there are three primary answers:
1. Some will say to reduce carbon dioxide levels. Most ag producers and people that have an interest in horticulture understand the CO2 fear hoax and know that CO2 is a critical element for plant life.
2. Some will say to generate added income for our counties. It has been suggested that after completion of the project that Eddy County could receive around $1,000,000 annually. This may seem like a windfall, however, $1,000,000 will barely cover the cost to pave one mile of road. This is simply a drop in the bucket with regards to the needs of our counties.
3. And others will say to provide added personal income. This will primarily benefit a few individuals, those that own land in the footprint and those that have invested into the project. Most individuals in our county will not be receiving any direct benefits.
The result of this industrial park will leave some property owners squarely in the middle of a 118-tower field with no compensation and the reality of diminished property values, elimination of wildlife and health hazards for decades to come.
It’s easy to see how people can become divided. Money seems to bring out the greed in people.
Individual property rights are key and both sides of this quandary are adamant about their positions.
There needs to be a compromise. A minimum of a one-mile setback will give residents a buffer from the 600-foot towers and will allow them the opportunity to negotiate for a reduced setback if desired. This should be a win for both sides of the issue.
In the end we need to avoid dividing our communities and to promote an equitable solution.
Larry Danduran, New Rockford
