Town votes for 1-year pause on wind farms

HOLLAND, Wis. (AP) — The Holland Town Board has voted in favor of a one-year ban on wind farm construction, but it’s unclear if that’s enough to stop a planned project.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports the board voted 3-0 on Monday for the ban and increased the setback for wind turbines from neighboring properties to a half-mile.

In October, the Chicago-based Invenergy LLC submitted an application to state regulators for a huge wind farm within four towns. Holland alone would get 22 turbines.

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Supports note the economic benefits, but opponents fear the intrusion and potential health hazards of the turbines.

The moratorium might not been enough to stop the project. In Wisconsin, the Public Service Commission can approve such developments over the objections of local officials.

Information from: Green Bay Press-Gazette, http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com