Illinois law ineffectively protects sensitive environment from wind farms, so I tried to preserve the rare ecotype and threatened animal species present at the Garman Prairie in Hahnaman Township.

I had never attended a public hearing and was quite surprised at the advantage a sophisticated applicant like Mainstream has over the general public and our local zoning commission.

However, I objected, based only on environmental issues. When I realized I had little chance, I hired an attorney to assure my case was heard. I asked for minimal half-mile setback from my property, while the Illinois Department of Natural Resources recommends 2 miles for less environmentally sensitive areas legally classified as “Illinois Nature Preserves.”