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Dickinson County Supervisors Hear Renewed Call For Moratorium On Wind Turbines

November 14, 2023 Steve Schwaller

(Spirit Lake)– When it comes to moratorium requests, the Board of Supervisors again today (Tues.) heard another call for one on any future development of wind turbines and solar panels in the county. Chris Van Kleek of the group DC3 referenced hearings held in October by the Board of Adjustment for the proposed Red Rock project, which wound up being denied by that board…

“Our recent experience of 15 hours at the public hearing is a clear message that those who spoke at the meetings submitted numerous letters and emails and 1,500 citizens that signed petitions don’t believe the ordinance is sufficient. You as county officials who are paid, elected and responsible to all citizens of Dickinson county, you have an opportunity to correct the decision that was made last summer to deny a moratorium.”

Supervisor Chair Bill Leupold had this response…

“I’m the one responsible for what gets on the agenda. I felt that if we did enact a moratorium when Red Rock was working, it’s like changing the rules in the middle of a game.”

Comments were then made regarding property rights. Those calling for the moratorium said it’s important the ability to enjoy their property be protected. But Supervisor Tim Fairchild said the same holds true for those who WANT turbines on their land, adding many of those landowners lost millions of dollars when the Red Rock project was denied.

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