RED OAK, Iowa — Stricter rules for wind turbine development are now in effect in Montgomery County, following a unanimous vote by the county board of supervisors Tuesday morning.
The board approved the first reading of an amendment to the county’s Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) ordinance, originally adopted in 2021. They then waived the second and third readings, meaning the new regulations will take effect upon publication.
The decision followed a public hearing in which a majority of residents spoke in favor of the amendment and voiced concerns about potential health, land use, and economic impacts from proposed wind projects, including MidAmerican Energy’s Silver Creek Wind Farm, which could include up to 68 turbines.
Barb Allen, representing the county’s planning and zoning commission, said the amendment targets three key concerns raised by residents: turbine proximity to homes, potential impacts on economic development, and conflicts with other land uses such as housing and agriculture.
Allen noted the county’s comprehensive plan, updated in 2025, establishes a two-mile buffer zone around incorporated cities to protect future growth and prevent land-use conflicts.
John Huff, associate project outreach manager for MidAmerican Energy, acknowledged the concerns and said the proposed Silver Creek project could generate about $33.8 million in revenue for the county over 40 years. While supporting the county’s right to set reasonable regulations, he expressed hope for a compromise.
Despite recognizing the potential loss of revenue, Supervisor Mike Olson supported the amendment, saying the public overwhelmingly opposed the wind projects.
Supervisors Mark Peterson and Bryant Amos echoed Olson’s concerns about wind energy’s viability. Amos added that the new ordinance reflects best practices other counties now wish they had adopted earlier.
Supervisor Chair Charla Schmid, while voting in favor, expressed support for wind development, calling it a good business decision. Supervisor Alex Burton questioned waiving the final readings, but Olson and Amos argued the public had ample time to weigh in.
The amended ordinance is expected to reshape the future of wind development in Montgomery County, as officials and developers continue to weigh economic benefits against public concern.