Opinion : Letter to the Editor: Klimesh Intends To Push Wind Turbines Forever

Dear Editor,
On March 4, 2025 all three senators on the subcommittee came out in favor of SF 376. Mike Klimesh, (R, Winneshiek County), Mike Bousselot (R, Polk County), and Izaah Knox (D, Polk County) are choosing to ignore the citizens of Iowa that do not want the State to take over local control currently endowed to the counties. If you watched this meeting on Zoom, it became quite obvious that these senators already had their minds made up. Talk about stacking the deck: The first person picked to speak at length was a pro wind turbine lobbyist who for some reason was given a seat at the table. The room was packed with standing people, so only a few were allowed to give their statements. However, when the Zoom people spoke, all five of them spoke in favor of turbines. What are the odds of handpicking all five pro wind advocates? Pure coincidence, I'm sure. How can they schedule only 30 minutes for one of the State's hottest topics? NO WAY was this fair. Many people traveled hundreds of miles to speak and were denied that opportunity. Iowa has 99 counties. Yet, two of the three on this committee were from Polk County. What about the rural counties? You know Des Moines and its suburbs won't have to deal with wind turbines in their front or back yards. So they will be just fine with shoving these down the throats of the rural folks. Whatever happened to the will of the people? Apparently, Des Moines is going to know what's best for ALL counties. SF 376 would take away ALL local control when it comes to wind turbines. The counties will have no say as to where and how many turbines can be placed. SF 376 is a wind developer's dream. They couldn't hope for anything better than what SF 376 gives them. It is quite obvious that it was written by wind developers. This doesn't just affect Benton County, it affects ALL 99 counties. The next day, thankfully, SF 376 did not make it out of the commerce committee. However, on March 8th, at the Arlington town hall meeting, Mike Klemish doubled down on the issue saying he will bring this bill up (under a different number) every year until he gets it passed. If you do not want the possibility of having wind turbines or solar in your front or back yard; then Mike Klemish is not your friend.
Chris Urban