Improper Ground Factor – Why It Matters!
December 18th, 2019
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2019/11/Ground-Factor2_Page_1-1024x791.jpg)
This is really important! I learned, after perusing the PPSA handout from Commerce, that none of the wind projects permitted in 2019, and none of the wind projects currently in the permitting process, are using the proper ground factor of 0.0 for noise modeling. WHAT?
So I put this comment together and filed it:
Needless to say, the PUC had something to say about that… they extended the comment period for the PPSA Annual Hearing!
Filings on Freeborn Wind… Again! Again!
November 12th, 2019
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2019/11/teletubbiesAgainAgain.jpg)
This round is for comments on Xcel’s Permit Amendment Request:
Here’s what we (Association of Freeborn County Landowners) filed:
Quite a few comments were filed.
Reply Comments due November 19, 2019, one week from today!
Freeborn Wind – AGAIN!
October 24th, 2019
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2015/12/xcel_Logo.jpg)
Here we go, deja vu all over again. Xcel Energy has taken over Freeborn Wind and has asked for a permit amendment, the Permit Amendment filings are here:
STAY, Freeborn Wind!
The Public Utilities Commission has just issued notice of the Comment period on the Permit Amendment:
Initial comments accepted through November 12, 2019 at 4:30 PM.
Reply comments accepted through November 19, 2019 at 4:30 PM.
Here is what they want to hear about:
Topics for Public Comment:
• Should the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission amend the Freeborn Wind Farm Site Permit to change the number, type and layout of the turbines to be used, as well as additional participating land?
• Should the Commission accept the supplemental environmental impact analysis?
• Should any permit conditions be modified or added if the requested amendments are approved?
• Are there other issues or concerns related to this matter?
Oh yes, there are plenty of other issues, and you’ll hear all about it, PUC! But it’s nothing you don’t know already.
To view all the filings, go HERE – DOCKET SEARCH and search for 17=410 (17 = year, 410 = docket).
How to Submit Comments:
Online Visit mn.gov/puc, select Speak Up!, find this docket, and add your comments to the discussion.
Email Comments can be emailed to publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us
U.S. Mail Charley Bruce, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place E, Suite 350, Saint Paul, MN 55101-2147
eFiling Visit mn.gov/puc, select eFiling, and follow the prompts (you’ll need to register, and it’s EASY and fast).
STAY, Freeborn Wind!
October 2nd, 2019
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2009/02/crowd_cheering_med.jpg)
And we SCORE! Association of Freeborn County Landowners had a win earlier today when the Minnesota Court of Appeals granted our Motion for Stay of the Freeborn Wind Appeal as the Xcel Request for Amendment goes forward. YES! Sure glad we’re not having to do two things at once!
And FYI, here’s Xcel’s Amendment Request:
Ex 1_Xcel Site Permit Amendment Application_Part 1 of 4_20198-155331-01Download
Ex 2_Xcel Site Permit Amendment Application_Part 2 of 4_20198-155331-02Download
Ex 3_Xcel Site Permit Amendment Application_Part 3 of 4_20198-155331-03Download
Ex 4_Xcel Site Permit Amendment Application_Part 4 of 4_20198-155331-04Download
Court DENIES Freeborn Wind/Xcel Motion to Dismiss
August 27th, 2019
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2009/02/crowd_cheering_med.jpg)
Freeborn Wind, now owned by Xcel Energy, tried to get Association of Freeborn County Landowners booted out of the Appellate Court. Freeborn Wind’s Motion DENIED!
And here’s the Order of the Appellate Court:
And this delightful snippet:
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2019/08/Snippet.jpg)
So now we’re off to the races!! We filed a Motion to Stay the Proceeding, because Xcel has filed its request for a site permit amendment. We shall see…