On April 21, 2025, Governor Sanders signed Act 945, the Arkansas Wind Energy Development Act, into law. This Act provides regulation for the foreign run wind industry in our state. Prior to its passage, there were no regulations. Scout and other foreign profiteers could build these massive turbines anywhere they wanted, any way they wanted with no oversight. Act 945 provides that essential oversight, just like other industries in Arkansas have.
While I am heartsick that Scout could not be stopped by the legislation, since they had progressed to a certain point, I am very pleased that the Carroll County Quorum Court passed a moratorium that will prevent Scout from further devastation of our beloved Ozarks. In meetings with legislators in Little Rock, Scout’s representatives fought just as hard to exempt themselves from all oversight as they had in Carroll County. While other companies stated that they were not opposed to regulation, Scout maintained that they should be able to operate in any way they choose.
There is no evidence that Scout has a Power Purchase Agreement, meaning no customer. But they continue the destruction in Carroll County anyway. Clearly Scout is more concerned with profit than the safety of citizens. This aligns with the overly aggressive behavior they have exhibited since they showed up from Canada. Their utter disdain for our laws and government was on full display in in Little Rock, and left a sour taste in our mouths.
In addition to Act 945 now being law, five counties [Boone, Carroll, Crittendon, Madison and Newton] have passed moratoriums, with more anticipated this month. The knowledge shared by groups including Concerned Citizens of the Ozarks, organized by Angela Usrey, and Stop Wind Farms in Arkansas organized by Caroline Rogers, has brought many benefits to the citizens of our state.
I particularly thank the sponsors of Act 945, Senator Bart Hester, and Representatives Brad Hall of Crawford County and James Eaton who represents a portion of Carroll County. Senator Bryan King was very effective in securing the passage of both Act 945 and moratoriums in multiple counties.
Because of these efforts, our state will now be protected from these devastating projects. No longer will these foreign corporations be able to wreak havoc on our state unimpeded. And, with the national attitude toward these phony “green” installations, my deepest hope is that these foreign entities go back to their own countries and destroy their own environments.
Except for the tiny handful of people who will benefit from these destructive projects, the vast majority of Arkansans value our pristine landscapes. And, I can assure Scout and the other foreign moneygrubbers that we will continue to fight to protect our beautiful “Natural State.”
Julie Morton
This is so spot on and what a tragedy! “Take paradise and put up a parking lot.”