Eastern Montanans Fighting Back Against Massive Wind Projects

Eastern Montanans are fighting back against proposed wind power developments from Fallon to Wibaux.

I heard from several locals concerned about these developments when I had open microphones during our show from Glendive earlier this year. Former State Senator Ric Holden (R-Glendive) has also been sounding the alarm over the threat posed to Montana's open spaces and Big Sky country due to the proposed wind farm developments.

Last week, prior to a Dawson County Planning Board meeting, Holden called for restrictions to be put in place specifically to protect certain areas, like Mashokia State Park, and to limit the height of the proposed wind turbines.

Holden spoke out about what he describes as "an industrial wind turbine complex containing 70 turbines" that "are planned to be constructed on the hills above Glendive. Each tower will be 575 feet tall or the size of the Seattle Space Needle," Holden added.

Holden told KTVQ's David Jay that this would be more than twice the size of the First Interstate Bank building in downtown Billings. (That's the tallest building in the state, by the way)

In a press release sent prior to that meeting, Holden said, “the board has not adopted any regulations that would limit the height of the mega turbines in Dawson County, I see that as critical in protecting the health, welfare and safety of our citizens.”

When it comes to all of the massive wind power projects being pushed across Montana, Holden says if we don't act now, we could ruin that Big Sky view for the next generations of Montana.

Holden: "Don't sit back. These companies are coming to everybody's counties. You don't know it, but they are there. And if you don't take action now and establish some regulations you will be sorry.

The full chat with former State Senator Ric Holden can be heard in the 2nd half of the below podcast.