WATERLOO, Ia. — A man who sued a Black Hawk County board has lost his bid to block a planned wind energy project.
The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that a judge affirmed Monday the county Board of Adjustment’s power and decision to issue a permit to Washburn Wind Energy. The company plans to erect 35 wind turbines east of Hudson.
Farmer Harold Youngblut’s lawsuit says the board’s April 2018 action violated the county’s zoning ordinance and amounted to an illegal “taking” of property because of the wind project’s potential effect on neighbors.
The $120 million project drew objections from nearby property owners concerned about its potential impact on their health, quality of life and property values. Project supporters have said it would generate clean energy and give farmers where the turbines would be placed new revenue to keep their farms viable.
Youngblut’s lawyer says he’ll probably appeal.