The Weld County Board of Commissioners heard a land use case to approve the Chalk Bluffs Wind Energy Facility land use application. Ultimately, the project passed 3-2 after seven hours of public testimony.
The wind and solar project is located near the Chalk Bluffs in northern Weld County on private property. It includes about 79 turbines ranging in height from 499 feet to 596 feet located across 16,000 acres and 2,293 acres of solar panels. The projected local long-term earnings are $3.8 million per year. The majority of neighboring landowners sent letters to the commissioners in opposition to the project, citing wildlife concerns, view shed destruction, dust, road damage and loss of agricultural land.
In the past weeks, I’ve debated the collision between private property rights and what respecting those rights means, especially when the project isn’t something the neighbors want. I had phone calls that began with the caller asking me if I am senile or just stupid for supporting a wind project. I would argue I’m neither, and I support a landowner’s property rights. It is possible to dislike wind turbines and respect property rights; both apply. I had another caller who offered an example in his state of a neighbor who wanted turbines. The caller said he knew this landowner inherited money from his grandfather, and because he didn’t need the money, the wind development shouldn’t be allowed. Though I understand, this isn’t how property rights function.
I had readers ask how I could support this use of private property rights and not support the NIETC transmission line that would have condemned a huge swath of agricultural land in southeastern Colorado. That’s an easy answer, even with my stupidity and senility. I don’t support eminent domain, especially when it takes an inch more than necessary…