TORRINGTON – A public hearing was held on Wednesday, February 5, for the Goshen County Planning Commission to receive input on proposed updates to the Wind Energy Siting Regulations, Appendix H of the Goshen County Land Use Plan. Over twenty community members attended, along with county staff, county commissioners and planning commission members. The current wind regulation has been in place since 2017.

Vickie Zimmer, chairperson of the planning commission, stated the intent of the updates was to provide consistency with the recently updated solar regulation and to ensure appropriate regulations are in place should they receive a permit application for the development of a wind farm or other wind-generated electricity projects. The commission noted, to date, they had not received any permit applications but anticipated one might be filed based on discussions with other entities and the trend of wind farms being developed in neighboring counties.

Diane Foster addressed health concerns, sharing research indicating wind farms emit frequencies which can affect people and animals on a cellular level up to twelve miles away. The updated regulations increase the setback distance for towers from 0.25 miles to one mile, but Foster requested the distance be further increased. Commissioner Aaron Walsh responded 12 miles was excessive and emphasized the county’s role was to balance the interests of landowners with those of businesses seeking to operate in Goshen County. Dewey Hageman also advocated for an increased setback distance, citing concerns about aerial monitoring of cattle. 

“It could damage the way we do business,” Hageman said.

Brian Young, CEO of Go Goshen, expressed support for the updates, calling them reasonable. He encouraged the commission to consider promoting wind farm development in Goshen County, noting energy projects can generate substantial tax revenues which could help diversify the county’s income—particularly in light of a proposed 50% cut in property taxes. He also pointed out the proposed setback distances exceeded state-regulated setback distances. Additionally, Young urged the commission to review the conservation fund, which he suggested might constitute an additional tax not permitted under state law.

Amy Smith echoed concerns about the health impacts of wind farms on people, animals and plants in surrounding properties. She also supported increasing the setback distance and requested  the commission require developers to meet with all affected fire districts before construction begins.

Gary Hubbart and Pat Going inquired about the disposal of wind turbine blades and enforcement of the requirement  no equipment be disposed of in Goshen County. The commissioners responded the conservation fund was established to address disposal or abandonment issues as they arise.

Following the public comments, planning commissioner Doug Mercer made a motion to recommend the updated regulation to the county commissioners, incorporating an amendment reflecting the public’s input. Larry Curtis seconded the motion, and it passed. Mercer reminded attendees the planning commission meetings are open to the public and encouraged future participation. Chairperson Zimmer then adjourned the meeting.