Last week, Nebraska Farmers Union members testified against LB 373, which requires any counties that allow the construction of new wind turbines to regulate their noise, placement and decommissioning. Also, for two years while counties put together guidelines, those wind turbines would have to be at least three miles away from a home. Farmers Union President John Hansen says that setback is beyond what most other states require.

He says if the legislation is approved it would stop most, if not all wind project development in Nebraska. It would also take income away from rural communities at a time they can’t afford to lose it.

Hansen says the current process of county planning and zoning and commission regulation is working. He says to take that away would support what a small minority of landowners want over what’s best for the majority of residents.

The measure was sponsored by Senator Tom Brewer of Gordon. A few dozen residents from Cherry and Nuckolls counties support the bill and presented their views to the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.