Wind energy advocates say proposed restrictions are attempt to end Kansas developments

Alan Albers is tired of being characterized as a terrible ogre whose enthusiasm for wind turbines is selfish and greedy.

He rejects claims that low-frequency sounds produced by wind farms have adverse health effects and believes proposed legislation to restrict wind farm development would trample the rights of property owners who welcome payments that augment declining farm revenue.

Albers said he owns land in Kingman and Pratt counties and that his extended family has provided space for 21 wind towers.

“The idea that I or they would put people in jeopardy for wealth is totally offensive,” Albers said. “You can find everything you want to online, and you can see what it’s done to our society recently, and I think it’s totally ridiculous.”

Lawmakers in the House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications are considering a bill introduced by Rep. Randy Garber, R-Sabetha, that would require any new turbines to be placed at least 1.5 miles from a residence and 3 miles from an airport, park or hunting area. Clean energy advocates and companies that operate wind farms in Kansas described the bill Thursday as reckless, a sham, a grave mistake, a ploy, and an attack on free market capitalism.