Landowner Issues
Understanding Wind Energy Leases
Wind development in the upper midwest and how it impacts landowers including lease and easements. Presented Nov 18th 2009 by the High Plains Extension Energy Team.
Dr. Shannon Farrel - Oklahoma State University
Landowner Associations
Wind developers have been approaching landowners throughout the midwest to sign up land for potential wind farm projects. Land lease/easement contracts are complicated and should be looked at by a qualified attorney representing the landowner. In some cases landowners have joined to share the legal costs and negotiate together instead of individually.
Saline County Wind Association: This recently formed association in Southeast Nebraska formed in order to negotiate a wind contract in their area.
Landowner Wind Energy Associations: Cornhusker Economics Newsletter January 2009
Future of Wind Developments
20% Wind Energy by 2030
A US Department of Energy report detailing what it might take to get to 20% wind power by the year 2030. Today Nebraska has 153 MW of installed wind. Another study stated Nebraskas share to get the U.S. to the 20% goal would be approxomately 7800 MW an increase of 5000%.
Read the 20% Wind Energy by 2030 study - Entire study*
Executive Summary *
*(pdf document, Acrobat Reader required)
Other Resources
Landowner Resources
Legal Issues for Landowners to Consider in Negotiating Wind Energy Easements - Washburn University
Negotiating Wind Energy Property Agreement - Farmers' Legal Action Group, Inc - (*pdf)
Wind Energy Production: Legal Issues Related Liability Concerns for Landowners in Iowa and Across the Nation - Iowa State University Center for Ag Law and Taxation - Includes sample contract
Nebraska Energy Office - Wind Resources
Landowner Wind Energy Associations in the West: Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
Wind Farms Could Bring Wyoming Ranchers Windfall: NPR news story Oct 2009
Wind Industry Resources
Windustry
National Renewable Energy Labaratory
American Wind Energy Association