The Oklahoma State Capital

Abell, Okla. — A packed house, including two newly elected state officials, and a large number of citizens, turned out in opposition to Logan County's expanding wind turbine farms and a federal plan to put a massive transmission line corridor across the northern parts of the county.

I got into my race on one primary issue. We had an industrial project near my property. I am standing up against wind, solar, and transmission corridors. I stand 100% with everybody in this room. -- Jim Shaw, House District 32

On Sunday, October 24, the group convened at Camp Joy for a community meeting organized by the newly formed citizens group No Federal Transmission Lines Logan County. The gathering aimed to address growing concerns over the proliferation of wind turbines, transmission lines, and various green new deal projects that locals fear could adversely affect their property rights, health, and the environment.

The meeting featured presentations from various speakers who outlined potential dangers associated with these projects, including economic impracticality, health risks, and environmental hazards. The attendees also warmly welcomed newly elected state representatives Jim Shaw and Molly Jenkins, who expressed support for the community's concerns.

Picture from No Federal Transmission Corridors Logan County showing new State Representative Jim Shaw speaking to a packed house at Camp Joy.

Highlighting Potential Risks

The group heard a detailed presentation on the economic and practical issues surrounding wind turbines. It emphasized the risks of entering into long-term agreements with energy companies heavily subsidized by federal tax credits.

"It's not practical; it doesn't make sense economically," the presenter said. "This will continue as long as there's a profit motive through government subsidies that we are all paying for."

North county resident Janine Handler, discussed health and environmental implications. She cited concerns about low-frequency noise emitted by wind turbines, which she claimed could lead to fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and, with prolonged exposure, more severe conditions like epilepsy and cardiovascular disease.

"Low-frequency noise can travel up to 12 miles from the turbine and can go through walls," Handler told the audience.

Handler also raised alarms about the inability to recycle turbine blades due to toxic materials like bisphenol A (BPA) in fiberglass components. She expressed fears that degrading materials could contaminate soil and water, impacting livestock and agriculture.

She highlighted the challenge with getting the toxic materials, shedded by the turbine blades, out of the pasture land.

Federal government documents show the potential path of the new Delta Plains Transmission Line. The corridor, expected to vary between 4 and 18 miles in width, cuts a wide swath across Logan County.

Community Engagement and Legislative Support

Following the presentations, Jim Shaw, the newly elected representative for eastern Logan County, joined attorney A.J. Jones on stage for a question-and-answer session. Shaw emphasized the importance of community involvement in opposing the projects.

"You have to let your elected leaders know where you stand," Shaw said. "There will be legislation in the legislature this year."

An audience member mentioned the possibility of pursuing a constitutional amendment through an initiative petition slated for the 2026 ballot.

Jones shared her personal experience with energy companies, explaining that she and her husband had signed a contract with Calpine Corporation, which was later sold to a subsidiary. She suggested this move might be an attempt to circumvent laws limiting contract durations and believes a Russian oligarch has ownership interests in the contracts.

She also questioned the transparency of the companies involved, expressing a desire to investigate how much federal funding they receive.

Property Rights and County Commissioners' Role

Attendees voiced concerns about property rights, with some noting that landowners are under no obligation to allow energy company representatives onto their property.

A guest from Kansas, facing similar issues in her community, encouraged Logan County residents to push their commissioners to take action.

"Your commissioners' hands aren't tied," she said. "They may be scared or need a backbone, but they can do it," suggesting that if the counties choose to fight, they would possibly be sued by wind companies, but the wind companies can't sue every county. "They can't sue everyone, and if they do, they have to keep it quiet."

When an audience member asked Shaw if he would advocate for the cause to the local boards, he affirmed his commitment.

"Absolutely," Shaw responded. "I got into my race on one primary issue. We had an industrial project near my property. I am standing up against wind, solar, and transmission corridors. I stand 100% with everybody in this room."

The audience applauded his remarks.

Logan County Commissioners Have Long History of Support for Big Wind Project

The citizen group's opposition to county support for green energy projects stands in stark contrast to the recent actions of the Logan County Commissioners. Logan County is home to three wind farms, the most recent being Invenergy's massive Wagon Wheel project, one of the largest in the state. All three county commissioners have cast multiple votes to affirm the county's relationship with and facilitation of the project's growth.

District 3 Commissioner Monty Piercy, in whose district the project is being implemented, has acknowledged that public sentiment on the issue is mixed; however, Piercy's district is set to benefit from thousands of dollars of road improvements from Invenergy. Piercy has also expressed an interest in the amount of tax revenue generated by the project and the project's willingness to employ local business in the construction of the wind turbine foundations.

Longtime conservative activist and now District 2 Commissioner Charlie Meadows previously opposed government-subsidized wind projects before being elected but has since repeatedly supported the Wagon Wheel project with his votes. As recently as August, he approved road crossing permits for Invenergy's transmission lines, even as he voted against similar permits for Cox Communications.

MORE: Logan County Strikes Agreement with Monumental Wind Turbine Project.

Introduction of Representative Molly Jenkins

Janine Handler introduced Molly Jenkins, the newly elected representative for House District 33, who was present in the audience.

"I've researched enough to know it's bad," Jenkins said regarding the green energy projects. "We've got to put an end to it."

She provided her contact information, encouraging constituents to reach out.

"We're all in this together," she added, receiving enthusiastic applause from the packed audience.

Broader Implications and Calls to Action

Discussions also touched on potential legal strategies to oppose the projects, such as forming homeschooling legal entities to leverage setback requirements that apply to educational institutions.

An audience member warned about upcoming Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) groundwater testing in 2027, expressing concern over potential contamination from the projects.

Shaw emphasized the broader goals of certain energy initiatives.

"Their admitted goal is to get rid of oil and gas," he said.

A guest from Kansas pointed out that major investment firms like BlackRock and Vanguard have significant ownership stakes in companies involved in these projects, suggesting financial motivations behind the push for green energy.

As the meeting concluded, attendees were urged to remain vigilant and proactive.

"Do not accept the response from someone who says they are neutral on this topic," Shaw advised. "They are either against this or they are not."