A number of wind power projects are being planned and proposed across the northern plains.

Most of those projects need approval at the county level before they can get state and federal permission.

Lucas Nelsen, a program policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs (in Lyons Nebraska), says many counties don’t have the expertise to come up with rules and policies……..

Nelsen says many counties have a difficult time finding a balance between development, and private property rights……

Nelsen says its best if the public is involved from the earliest stages……

Nelsen says tax policy, energy demand, and the development of new power lines is helping spur the drive to build wind power projects.