Epicenter Mt. Pleasant, Courtney Jerome | September 9 Five years after Michigan’s largest wind farm began generating power in Isabella County, its economic effects are becoming clearer. A new analysis finds the project is generating millions in estimated annual lease revenue for landowners while expanding the tax base for local school districts, helping some payContinueContinue reading “Five years in, Isabella Wind Park revenue is reshaping local school and farm finances”
Category Archives: Wind
Harvesting the wind empowers rural Iowa
The Gazette | Paul Lovell, June 13 June 15 marks Global Wind Day, an annual celebration of wind energy’s role in strengthening energy systems and local economies. Iowa proudly ranks second for wind energy generation nationwide, with wind turbines providing 64 percent of our electrical output. Wind has become a vital engine for local economicContinueContinue reading “Harvesting the wind empowers rural Iowa”
Wind energy brings clean power, profits to Minnesota farmers
Public News Service | June 30, Mark Richardson Wind energy generated about 25% of Minnesota’s electricity in 2023, with much of that power coming from turbines placed on farmland. Bill Gillen, a farmer and six-year participant in the Freeborn Wind Project in southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa, said wind power has been a welcome addition. “It allows us farmersContinueContinue reading “Wind energy brings clean power, profits to Minnesota farmers”
Wind turbines, lower tax bills: The data behind Iowa’s clean energy dividend
Corridor Business Journal | May 18 As Iowa lawmakers rapidly approach the end of the 2026 legislative session, conversations around renewable energy remain abundant. As these discussions continue, the Common Sense Institute (CSI)’s latest energy report reveals that Iowa’s diverse energy grid continues to keep the state competitive and sustainable. Due in part to Iowa’sContinueContinue reading “Wind turbines, lower tax bills: The data behind Iowa’s clean energy dividend”
What I learned living with wind energy
The Gazette | April 2 The best way to learn is from experience, or from someone who has had experience. Here are some things I learned about renewable energy from hosting a wind project on my land. The easement payment for having a wind turbine, transmission lines and an access road on my land wasContinueContinue reading “What I learned living with wind energy”
Ball State study details economic impact of wind and solar limits
Muncie Star Press | Jane Imbody, April 8 MUNCIE — A new policy brief from Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research is shedding light on the economic impact of county-level restrictions on utility-scale wind and solar development in Indiana. The brief, published through the Indiana R-STEP Collaborative, summarizes findings from a broader study of renewable energyContinueContinue reading “Ball State study details economic impact of wind and solar limits”
Wind energy 101 for MN towns in project alleys
Public News Service | Mike Moen, April 16 Minnesota has nearly 125 wind farms. For people curious or skeptical about this longstanding renewable-energy source, local leaders and industry voices are engaging with residents, including a session tonight in the state’s “wind-belt” region. Clean Grid Alliance is hosting a public education event in Redwood Falls to paintContinueContinue reading “Wind energy 101 for MN towns in project alleys”
Wind energy pumping millions into Michigan schools
Public News Service | Chrystal Blair, April 29 As Michigan leans further into renewable energy, some backers said the payoff is showing up in unexpected places. One education leader said wind farms are providing a financial boost for Michigan schools, bringing in millions for infrastructure upgrades, technology and debt relief without raising taxes. Paul Hungerford,ContinueContinue reading “Wind energy pumping millions into Michigan schools”
The wind effect, tax relief for Iowa schools
Center for Rural Affairs | January 22, Tod Bowman Rural Iowa schools are deeply committed to maintaining quality education, but they must continually navigate the fiscal pressures of shrinking enrollment and stagnant local tax bases. In some counties, a steady fiscal boost has arrived in the form of tax revenue from local wind energy projects,ContinueContinue reading “The wind effect, tax relief for Iowa schools”
Where the wind blows: Wind development’s impacts on rural infrastructure
Center for Rural Affairs | Val Ankeny, December 18 Iowa is a national leader in wind production, and that leadership has brought real benefits to rural counties like Adair and Howard. As local governments work to stretch limited budgets to keep roads drivable, bridges safe, and parks well-maintained, wind energy tax revenue has become aContinueContinue reading “Where the wind blows: Wind development’s impacts on rural infrastructure”