As the debate over the construction of a largescale wind energy project in Carroll County neared the two-year mark, tensions remained high at the Carroll County Quorum Court’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
County Judge David Writer urged critics of the project to “back off.”
Writer became agitated after local resident Steve Chase wanted to address the quorum court during public comments, despite Writer stating that resident Bobby Wilson would be the last to offer public comments.
Wilson was the eighth individual to speak during public comments. After he finished, Writer indicated that the quorum court would be moving to its next agenda item.
“Excuse me. I’d like to make a …” Chase began.
“No, no,” Writer said. “I said Bobby was the last one. He was the last one.”
Another audience member interjected, saying the Nimbus Project wind farm being constructed by Scout Clean Energy is “horrible for Carroll County.”
“I don’t care …” Writer began. “Yes, you do,” the audience member responded.
“I don’t care what you have to say,” Writer answered. “Listen, people. Listen. Not one time has anybody ever come and asked me anything about this project. You guys just rant and tell your lies and beat me over the head with every stinking thing. I’m not going to get excited. … All I’m trying to say is back off. Back off. Let your county, have faith in your county government, please.”
The Nimbus Project is in the early phases of construction along Carroll County Road 905 south of Green Forest. Plans call for the installation of 30 wind turbines, all between 591 and 644 feet tall.
Opponents of the project have been a constant presence at the quorum court’s monthly meetings since March of 2023. They say the project will be harmful to wildlife, have adverse health effects and pose a potential safety risk for humans and potentially cause significant damage to county roads, along with disturbing the natural beauty of the area and having a negative effect on tourism.
Multiple proposals to regulate the Nimbus Project or similar future industrial projects have failed to gain the necessary votes for passage by the quorum court.
At the Feb. 25 meeting, opponents of the project said a local quarry providing materials for the construction has not maintained the proper permits. Writer responded that he and the county road foreman had met recently with a representative of the state mining commission and were assured that everything was in proper order.
Also at the Feb. 25 meeting, District 11 Justice of the Peace Caroline Rogers, one of the most vocal opponents of the Nimbus Project, asked that a proposed ordinance that would impose a moratorium on largescale wind or solar energy projects be pulled from the agenda. Rogers indicated that the proposed ordinance will be back on the agenda for the next regular meeting of the quorum court, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 18.
