A public hearing in Pekin, IL, over a proposed wind farm turned into a heated debate on the merits of alternative energy yesterday as people on both sides of the issue lawyered up. The Peoria Journal Star reports that "the hearing Thursday quickly became a pseudo-courtroom, with a half dozen attorneys, several motions, cross examination and a steady flow of wind farm jargon."
Some residents of Logan and Tazewell counties worry that the farm may disrupt their views, lower property values, or create too much noise.
Proponents say critics' concerns are overstated and that the project could provide enough environmentally-friendly energy to power about 30,000 homes in Illinois.
The scope of the proposed project -- 39 turbines over 11,000 acres -- is not large by industry standards. By contrast, the "Prairie Forks" wind farm being considered in Christian and Montgomery counties would span 25,000 acres, contain 150 to 200 wind turbines, and power 67,500 to 90,000 homes.
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