KANSAS CITY, MO — (Marketwired) — 04/23/13 — The Biggest Little Law Firm in Kansas City, , recently reviewed the Kansas Legislature–s consideration of repealing the Renewable Energy Standards Act, which requires the state to obtain 20 percent of its energy from wind and solar sources.
In 2009, Kansas enacted the Renewable Energy Standards Act, resulting in the development of massive wind turbines along Interstate 70 and other scenic roadways in Kansas. These wind turbines are billed as a green alternative to oil, gas and coal energy. Bob Beachy, Chief Strategic Officer of Van Osdol & Magruder, expressed that since the development of these wind farms, environmental issues have developed. “On one hand, they create a source of renewable energy which the world needs. On the other hand, green forces are divided on whether wind farms are good or bad. The state has an abundance of clean burning natural gas. Now the Kansas Legislature is considering a repeal of the sustainability standard,” said Beachy.
Beachy also pointed out that the damage and danger to wildlife, like birds, is an open issue. Other challenges for humans are the noise the turbines create and the loss of value to adjacent lands. Moreover, have yet to be answered. What happens when an upwind owner usurps the draft of a downwind owner? Do the animal conservationists have standing to sue for the danger to protected species such as prairie chickens or is this a violation of the public trust? Can the state lawfully support one form of energy and one industry over another? “The answers to these and many more questions will evolve over the next several years,” said Beachy. “Look for a lot of developments in state legislatures and courtrooms in the near future to clarify the viability of these giants.”
Van Osdol & Magruder, P.C. is located in Downtown Kansas City, Mo. Trademarked as The Biggest Little Law Firm® in Kansas City, the firm focuses on maximizing value for its clients while remaining mindful of legal expenses ().
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