Town of Columbus residents fight Columbia County wind turbine project
COLUMBUS, Wis. — Residents in the Town of Columbus are mobilizing to prevent a large-scale wind turbine project from moving forward across Columbia County, citing concerns about health, safety and local control.
The Alliant Energy Columbia County wind project partnered with more than 300 landowners to construct approximately 40 turbines capable of powering roughly 70,000 homes. Pending approval, construction could begin in 2027 and be completed in 2028. However, the township has a lawyer working to draft an ordinance in an attempt to slow down the project.
“The [residents] wanted something done and they wanted to be heard,” Town supervisor Harold Schwoerer said. “I don’t see any pros coming out of this.”
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has siting authority for systems over 100 megawatts. For systems under 100 megawatts, local governments can use some authority through ordinances as long as it is not more restrictive than the Commission’s rules. The Columbia County project would be roughly 250 megawatts.
In a statement to News 3 Now Alliant Energy wrote in part: “This wind project has the support of more than 300 landowners in Columbia County – landowners who are voluntarily choosing to participate. As we move forward with this project, safety is a top priority. We continue to follow all regulatory, environmental and governing rules in order to provide safe, reliable energy.”
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