TEST TOWERS, LOCAL RESISTANCE, & NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY INSTABILITY
Hot Question: Is that a new Cell Tower? No. It is a MET tower.
Invenergy recently put up test towers on land that had been signed up for a wind development project. We've received information that they are located on Townline Road, Hopedale Road, and Legion Road.
A MET tower, or meteorological tower, is a structure used to measure atmospheric conditions, primarily wind speed and direction, to assess if a site is suitable for a wind project. It does not signify the start of a project, or guarantee that turbines are coming, but rather, they are a common part of the initial planning and assessment phase of an area targeted for wind energy production. For example, Railsplitter II has had a test tower for several years, yet continues to meet resistance and challenges that have prevented them from moving into the permitting phase. Do not be misled by the salesperson knocking on your door. These MET towers went up rather quickly, with little regard for the crops in the field. The crops were mowed down to accomplish the installation of the MET tower on their timeline. Wind developers are nervously and hastily attempting to begin wind projects because they know that President Donald Trump is not a supporter of wind and solar energy. Renewable Energy is being forced to stand on its own two feet as federal incentives become more restrictive.
Presidential Executive orders create national instability in Wind Industry:
This federal instability in the renewable energy industry is no doubt in our favor. With the “Big Beautiful Bill,” President Trump recently imposed stricter guidelines for how wind and solar projects can qualify for federal tax subsidies, forcing projects to stand on their own. This puts pressure on developers to get projects substantially and physically started before July 2026. This reiterates the importance of us holding our ground. According to an agency document, ‘substantial’ work does not include permitting, design, or holding components in inventory. Putting up a test tower does NOT qualify as ‘substantial’ work.
UCTC Strength:
We continue to maintain and build strong working relationships with county board members, as well as continuing to attend ZBA and Land Use meetings. It is important to note that these test towers were never presented to or voted on by the county board. Also, they did not have to be reviewed by the ZBA. There was never an oppurtunity for the public to voice their opinions. This raised concern with several board members.
Earlier this year, the United Citizens of Tazewell County (UCTC) contacted the presidential cabinet – showing our support, voicing concerns, and informing President Trump on the current challenges we face in central Illinois in regard to the commercial wind industry. UCTC plans to continue to advocate for better landowner protection in central Illinois.
The community remains united in its resolve to say no to turbines in our backyard. No new contracts have been signed and there is not enough land signed up to complete a project. Neither the Invenergy or EDP (Railsplitter 2 ) projects have been started or filed for permitting. Many communities do not show large scale opposition until the projects are much further along. Our strength is in our numbers and that UCTC started early in the wind project development phase. With your continued help and support, we are blazing a path to win this! Please continue to stay strong and stick together!
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