Windmill Controversy in Bingham County

 Windmill regret in Bingham County…at least for some. According to a publication called Journalnet.com, Bingham County is in demand for wind generation projects. In fact, developers have said that the foothills near Shelley and Firth offer the best wind possibilities in the state. Thirteen wind turbines have been placed in the area already, but nearby residents have fought to stop the installation of any more, even taking their concerns to court on two occasions. So Bingham County has had public meetings to hear what residents want to do. The obvious advantage of windmills is that they provide pollution-free energy, and, after construction costs…free energy. How in the world can you argue against that? Well, there’s always another side of the story and Bingham County Commissioner Cleone Jolley points out that there are some negatives: “Part of the problem is, some of the people feel it’s a scnic area and they don’t want the windmills to be in that area or they don’t want the windmills above their cabin in the mountains.”

Like so many of life’s issues, it’s complicated.