Whoosh-whoosh. Slowly spinning wind turbines appear peaceful and pretty. An energy developer wants to erect more of the 400-foot towers in rural Minnesota. But folks in the heart of U.S. wind country aren’t necessarily celebrating.
God calls Christians to care for the Earth. (Genesis 2:15) Could improving wind technology make people better stewards of creation?
Supporters believe wind power offers something for everyone: pollution-free electricity, construction and maintenance jobs, and reasonable costs for power. Landowners looking for easy income from leasing their land for the machines and local governments seeking tax revenue from wind companies also favor it.
But opposition to wind power is gusty. Much of the disapproval comes from the Midwest—the area with the most turbines per acre. Opponents have blocked wind projects in at least half a dozen states, including Nebraska, South Dakota, Indiana, and Michigan. Disputes are ongoing in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and Maryland. Critics dislike the soaring towers and giant blades—some half the length of a football field! Landowners want views from their windows to be of farmland, not machinery.
People living near turbines complain too. They claim machines cause dizziness, irritability, and sleeplessness. They say sounds and vibrations force them to shut the windows and crank up white noise. Some homeowners fear tumbling property values. They believe people won’t buy a home overlooking a wind farm.
The wind industry says no independent studies prove turbines cause health problems. Proponents argue that wind farms often boost property values—since developers usually upgrade nearby roads.
In South Dakota, residents successfully voted down a 150-turbine development. In Maine, plans to erect turbines atop ridges have outraged people worried about marring the rugged landscape and hurting tourism.
Tim Hemphill grows corn and soybeans in Iowa. He makes nearly $30,000 per year from two turbines on his land. The extra income helps, especially when crop prices are low. Hemphill used to live near the towers until his son took over many farming duties. Hemphill understands what wind turbines look and sound like.
“I wish I had a dozen more. I’d take all I could get,” he says. “I just don’t understand the reasons people oppose them.”
Heidi Gaston and her husband built a wrap-around porch to enjoy the view and the silence of southern Minnesota. She can’t imagine staying in their home with turbines nearby. Gaston and her neighbors expect a decision on the new machines by spring.
“We moved here hoping for a peaceful country setting,” she says. “That’s certainly not what we’d have.”
