Senate vote expected Tuesday on statewide standards for windmill placement

Talk about it

The Wisconsin Senate is expected to vote Tuesday on a bill to create statewide standards for the placement of high-tech windmills.

A similar measure is pending in the Assembly.

Sponsors say it’s needed because local governments have restricted the wind farms so much, it’s hurting the development of alternative energy and Wisconsin wind-turbine makers are selling virtually all their products outside the Badger State.

Supporters also say the measure would create jobs, and help Wisconsin meet a state law to have at least 10 percent of its electricity come from renewable sources by 2015.

But opponents of the statewide windmill standards say it takes away local control, and ignores the effects on those who live near them.

Tags: wisconsin, windmills, senate, vote