How to increase wind energy in Wisconsin now shifts political venues, and maybe moves out of the state.
Republican state lawmakers recently put new Public Service Commission (PSC) wind turbine siting rules on hold, claiming concern for local property owners. PSC chairman Eric Callisto told a Milwaukee forum Thursday that he's frustrated with the move.
The PSC may have to come up with new rules. Michael Vickerman of the pro-wind group RENEW Wisconsin says he's going to try to convince Gov. Walker to fill a new vacancy on the commission with someone who would be fair to the wind industry.
In the meantime, a few already approved large scale projects are being built. The Appleton-based Boldt Construction Company is working the Glacier Hills wind farm in Columbia County. But CEO Thomas Boldt says the suspension of the PSC siting rules could affect future business in Wisconsin.
Michael Vickerman of RENEW says some opportunities do remain in Wisconsin, but mainly for smaller turbines less than 200 feet tall, and producing about 100 kilowatts.
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Vickerman says the expansion of medium and large scale wind needs to get back on track.
