Association Alleges NextEra Energy Failed to Identify Turbine Locations for Caddo County Projects

nextera-energy

A Caddo County lawsuit alleging a wind farm developer didn’t adequately notify residents and public officials about turbine locations was moved to federal court in Oklahoma City this week, according to a report by The Oklahoman.

Scenic Prairie Preservation Association originally filed suit against NextEra Energy Resources LLC. The association said NextEra Energy didn’t properly notify the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and local residents about the locations of 156 turbines for use in two wind projects.

Although construction has not yet begun on the two wind farms, the association wants construction halted until NextEra Energy resubmits notice requirements. NextEra Energy denies it failed to provide appropriate notification.

A 2015 state law – Senate Bill 808 — requires wind turbines to be at least 1.5 nautical miles, or 9,100, feet from a school, hospital or airport. It also requires developers to register projects with the regulatory agency and file legal notices in local newspapers.

“NextEra believes that the association’s lawsuit is an attempt to delay or halt the construction of one or more of the turbines already sited for Minco IV and Minco V,” said John DiDonato, Vice President of Development for NextEra Energy.