Opponents of a planned wind generation facility in southwest Neosho County told commissioners Friday morning that the issue will go to court. They also pushed for an absent commissioner to vote on the measure.
“I hope it doesn’t come to any bloodshed,” opponent Dale Jeffrey said.
Some opponents said the developer, Apex Clean Energy, is moving ahead with the project until it is too late to prevent it.
“Your inaction is going to cause us to be reactive,” Jeffrey told commissioners. “The longer it goes, the more difficult it’s going to become.”
Opponent Ed Spielbusch said Apex is trying to circumvent the commission, and there appears to be stalling.
“No matter what you do, you’re going to have a lawsuit,” Jeffrey said.
Opponents have asked for a moratorium, and 1st District Commissioner Paul Westhoff, whose district covers all of the territory for the windmills, made a motion for one, but 3rd District Commissioner David Bideau would not second it. 2nd District Commissioner Jennifer Orr was not present, and has not attended meetings since the end of November.
(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)