A Canadian green energy company has halted plans for a 900-turbine wind farm in the Lake Eufaula area after extensive community opposition. TransAlta, a woke corporation with an apparent special emphasis on Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), began developing the 'Canadian River Wind Project' (also known in some government filings as 'Barracuda Wind Project') in 2022, meeting with select landowners and pursuing paperwork with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and Federal Aviation Administration, to name two agencies.
The first of five phases was for 121 wind turbines in western McIntosh County (Stidham, Raiford, and Lenna). The next four phases were allegedly slated to include "Texanna Road, Checotah, Porum, wrapping all around Lake Eufaula to south of McAlester, with a total of just under 900 turbines." Based on filings, the turbines were estimated to be over 700 feet tall upon construction.
State Reps. Tim Turner (R-Kinta) and Neil Hays (R-Checotah) worked with concerned citizens to stop the wind farm from proceeding, and broke the news Thursday that TransAlta was canceling the project:
OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 9th) – Reps. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, and Neil Hays, R-Checotah, today applauded a decision by TransAlta to stop the Canadian River wind farm project in McIntosh County.
The company earlier reported it was in the very early stages of the project and was still completing environmental and economic feasibility studies. The project was more than likely two to three years from beginning construction.
“We have been informed today by TransAlta of their decision to cancel the Canadian Valley project,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “We want to express our gratitude to the citizens of House Districts 15 and 13 and the surrounding area for their active engagement and willingness to make their voices heard. Your support has been invaluable as we worked diligently with all parties involved to address concerns and evaluate the potential impact this project could have had on our community.
“Also, thank you to House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and House leadership for standing with us in through this process to assure that we are not affected by Biden’s green energy projects. This was truly a team effort.”
The lawmakers in December held a meeting with TransAlta during which they made it clear there was no pathway for the project to gain community support. They were prepared to introduce legislation this session to change feasibility study requirements to prevent the project from moving forward in their House districts.
Both Turner and Hays said the issue goes beyond the aesthetics of wind turbines and instead represents their interests in protecting their communities, which overwhelmingly do not support the turbines. They listed potential effects on water resources, infrastructure, public safety, wildlife and tourism as being among the biggest concerns.
Hays added, “While there are a lot of people to thank and many reasons to be excited about TransAlta canceling their wind project in McIntosh County, the main thing that excites me is the people from across the State of Oklahoma who have stood up to make their voices heard.
“When We The People take a stand, when we fight to redress grievances with our government and refuse to remain silent, then great things happen. This is what excites me most about TransAlta’s announcement and to my constituents, it was an honor to stand with you as always.”
Hilbert, R-Bristow, said, “I applaud my colleagues Representatives Turner and Hays for their tenacious advocacy for their constituents’ concerns related to this project. This announcement today will undoubtedly bring great relief to Oklahomans around Lake Eufaula.”
Rep. Tim Turner, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties. Rep. Neil Hays, a Republican, Represents House District 13 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes McIntosh, Muskogee and Wagoner counties.
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYes Thank you so much… We retired here in 2023 however bought our land in 2022. There were 4 of those 721 ft tall giants scheduled to surround our home. With no state restrictions on height, noise level or set backs from homes. These giants would have only been 1,330 feet from our home. That might would like a lot of distance… it’s not. 720 ft tall at the hub, add 260 ft blades turning at near 200 mph… would have thrown ice shards, fiberglass from blade degradation and possibly oil leaking from the hub over 4300 feet!!! We, our grandchildren, our animals and our land would not have been safe and over a few years not suitable to grown any crops on!!! This decision is a life saver for us!!!
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