The anti-wind and solar farm movement in Oklahoma along with growning opposition to electric transmission lines apparently resonated with Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.
He had been among state leaders that some of the groups formed to combat eminent domain for transmission lines and renewable energy farms had targeted to support their efforts. Drummond is also an announced candidate for governor so the groups got his attention.
Drummond didn’t come out in total support of the opposition groups but on Friday announced a new addition to his agency’s website. In announcing the addition, the Attorney General’s office stated that he unveiled a related Frequently Asked Questions section to the site “in the wake of growing unrest and controversy over the proliferation of wind farms in rural Oklahoma.”
The FAQs address the authority of voters, including through locally elected county and municipal officials, to regulate wind, solar and other construction projects regarding renewable energy.
“I am hearing concerns from Oklahomans all across our state about the development of wind farms and similar projects, everything from the noise they generate to their impact on property values,” Drummond said. “Our Frequently Asked Questions were developed to help individuals understand how these projects are regulated and what can be done about them.”
Drummond said local regulation of wind farms is a growing trend throughout the United States. Limits include bans, moratoriums and other deterrents to development.
Controversy over wind farms has prompted a flurry of legislation being considered this legislative session.
Read the FAQs.
