Welcome to the Fight Against the Columbia Wind Turbine Proposal

Staying Informed About the Columbia Wind Farm

In addition to the content we post on the website, we are happy to provide you with notifications as this situation continues to develop. New information is consistently emerging about this ongoing issue. We will work to stay up to date and ensure you have all the facts as they become available.

One way this page will serve as a resource is through our blog. We will use this space to post insights into the meaning of events as they take place. Some views expressed here may differ from others. However, we promise to support our claims with evidence and research. We will also provide a balanced account of all events and present opposing arguments. It is important to hear and understand what is being said on the other side of the issue. This understanding allows us to respond effectively.

Your Voice Matters

We want to hear from you. If you have something to say, please feel free to post your comments and concerns on this page. However, we reserve the right to edit all content that appears on the site. We will not tolerate any disrespectful content or false information. Be brief, be fair, and present evidence to support any claims you are making.

Analyzing the Big Beautiful Bill

In this grand opening of the website, we present an in-depth analysis of the Big Beautiful Bill and its implications for the Columbia Wind Farm. As of this publication, it appears that Alliant will face challenges moving forward. Projects beginning construction in 2026 or later risk cuts or complete elimination of tax credits. Those starting in 2026 will only receive 60 percent of what was previously offered. Projects commencing in 2027 may receive 20 percent or none if they do not produce power by the end of that year. Wind projects must begin construction by the end of 2025 to qualify for full IRA tax credits (Sections 45Y and 48E).

Projects in development that do not start construction until 2027 or later are likely to lose eligibility. This could potentially strand billions in investments. Since Alliant cannot file for a permit until August, and the permitting process may take up to a year (according to the PSC’s own website), the project will face significant financial hurdles.

The Future of Energy in Our Community

While our focus is currently on the Columbia Wind Farm, the issues facing our community extend beyond wind farms. Our secondary aim is to reform local ordinances regarding health and safety. Regardless of what happens with the wind farm, new technologies, such as nuclear power, will become more prevalent. For instance, a 500-acre AI data center in Pleasant Prairie, Kenosha County, will feature its own on-site nuclear power plant. This facility, owned and operated by Microsoft, is reported to be the first and largest of its kind. It could position Wisconsin as a global center for data processing.

All these new projects and technologies come with their own health and safety challenges. Localities must address these issues for their residents by implementing policies before construction begins.

Understanding the Wind Sitting Report

We have also posted another report, The Wind Sitting Report, generated by the Wind Sitting Council, established by the 2009 Wisconsin Act 40. Keep in mind that the Council largely consists of individuals with a vested interest in favorable treatment of wind energy, despite potential harm. Nearly half of the 15-person Council comprises financial stakeholders in wind farm development (see Appendix A, roughly page 45).

The Act took effect on October 15, 2009. This report, often referred to as “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Report,” reflects what wind power supporters want everyone to believe. The minority report, known as Exhibit E and beginning around page 67, provides a more comprehensive view. This section includes input from town members, landowners, realtors, and a private citizen. It thoroughly debunks the majority report. We urge everyone to read the entire report, as it outlines the primary arguments from both sides and offers insights on how we can counter opposing positions.

Moving Forward Together

As we continue to move forward, we will report on meetings and additional information as it arrives. You will be notified as new postings are made.

We are committed to ensuring that our community is informed and engaged. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the Columbia Wind Turbine Proposal and advocate for our collective interests.

Welcome to the fight.