Oklahoma's Own In Focus: Craig County Zoning Proposition Aims To Restrict Wind Turbine Construction

On the ballot Tuesday: a zoning proposition in Craig County proposed by a group trying to stop a large wind farm from putting up windmills close to homes.

Craig County is one of several in Oklahoma where wind farm proposals are emerging. Companies already have power mills set up in at least eight counties, mostly in western Oklahoma. News On 6 has found they are either being proposed or are in development in at least ten other counties, moving toward the eastern side of the state.

The Oklahoma Wind Energy Development Act requires wind farms to keep turbines one and a half miles away from public airports, public schools, and hospitals, but there is no state requirement for residential homes.

Craig County Residents Concerned

News On 6 spoke to one couple who is concerned for their home and their neighbors after being approached by Triple Oak Energy, the company behind the Cabin Creek Wind Farm.

Making your way down Highway 10 through Craig County, it’s not hard to imagine how some landowners feel about wind farms.

Natalie Bullard and her husband Ben live near Bluejacket and were approached by Triple Oak Power about placing wind turbines on their property about a year ago.

“My wife asked me a really important question. She said, ‘Well, if it wasn't for the money, would you do it?’ And I know enough about the wind industry that my answer was no.”

The couple is now part of a group called the “Craig County Concerned Citizens.” The group is backing a zoning proposition on the ballot Tuesday that would allow the county to create zoning rules for unincorporated areas. Supporters of the proposal believe zoning is the best option to keep the more than 600-foot-tall turbines away from people’s homes.

"This has been going on for about a year, and zoning wasn't our first option,” Ben said. “It was probably about option D. We went with road use agreements. We looked at moratoriums and different things, but we were trying to find the most legal aspect we could to provide healthy and safe setbacks from industrial wind or just industrial energy development period."

Many in the area are concerned about the erosion of property rights.

Craig County District Attorney Matt Ballard sent us this statement about the zoning proposition:

“The proposition isn't about wind turbines. It is about zoning throughout the county. Zoning gives the county the ability to govern the appropriate use of property.”

The couple says they understand the concerns.

"We are all for property rights,” said Natalie. “We own land. We want to protect those property rights. I don't want to tell my neighbor what to do, but at the same point in time, I have an interest in telling a foreign-owned company that they should be held to a higher standard of regulations and setbacks for our community's health, safety, and welfare, and I think that's really important."

Triple Oak Power Response

News On 6 reached out to Triple Oak Power about the proposed wind farm—called Cabin Creek Wind. They sent the following statement:

“Triple Oak Power is committed to responsible wind development and being a good community partner for years to come. We are excited about helping to drive economic opportunity in Craig County by creating new jobs, tax revenue for local schools and county services, and improved infrastructure.

"Craig County voters will have a choice on Tuesday to place limitations on property rights through zoning or leave things as is, protecting landowner rights to use their land. This referendum could result in significant costs for the county and add bureaucracy and red tape for residents who want to make improvements to their land.

"Whatever the results of this referendum, Triple Oak will continue to work with county leaders on important issues such as setbacks and any health and safety concerns of our Cabin Creek wind project.”

What’s Next

The zoning change that would make it harder for wind farms to build next to homes is now up to Craig County voters. Election Day is Tuesday.