Canadian-based TransAlta reportedly has decided not to move ahead with development of its Canadian River wind farm project in McIntosh County after the project received growing opposition from legislators and landowners.
“We have been informed today by TransAlta of their decision to cancel the Canadian Valley project,” said Reps. Tim Turner, R-Kinta and Neil Hays, R-Checotah.
“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.”
While TransAlta’s project was two to three years from construction, its intentions received fiery opposition including by those who held a Stop the Green rally on Tuesday at the State Capitol. Both legislators were among the speakers at the event.
The Canadian firm was in the early stages of the project and completing environmental and economic feasibility studies.
“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,” added the two legislators.
Both came out against the project during a meeting last month with TransAlta and informed the company they were preparing legislation to change feasibility study requirements to stop the project.
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.
“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,” added Hayes.
“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.”
