Since March 2023, a planned wind-turbine development south of Green Forest has dominated quorum court meetings. A series of ordinances came to the table in an effort to derail the project, but justices of the peace defeated the last of those in June 2024. At that time, JP Craig Hicks said the ordinances clearly targeted Scout Clean Energy. He reiterated previous complaints about repeated ordinances on the agenda. “When we decide, if things fail, we shouldn’t bring it up again and again,” he said. “No matter how you re-wrap it, it’s still planning and zoning.”
Since then, three new JPs have taken seats at the table, and one of them has led the opposition to wind turbines. With the change in personnel, the Independent conducted a series of interviews with JPs to assess the likelihood of new attempts to halt installation of the towers. Most of the JPs welcomed the opportunity to talk about the quorum court’s immediate future, but JP Harrie Farrow, who represents Eureka Springs, refused multiple requests for an interview. She has led efforts to restrict wind turbines, and at the June meeting said JPs “shouldn’t listen to” their constituents’ concerns about property rights, and instead, should “explain they don’t see it correctly.”
JP Caroline Rogers was just elected in District 11, in the southeast part of the county, and lives near a site proposed for a turbine. She has often come to the microphone during public comments to raise issues about the impact of turbines on people and wildlife, as well as threats to water quality and other public safety issues.
Rogers is a party to a lawsuit against County Judge David Writer for entering into an agreement with Scout regarding that company’s responsibility for repairing any roads damaged during the construction phase of the project. Rogers acknowledged that she may not have any effect on the Scout project but still hopes to work toward a moratorium on other large industrial projects. Rumors have surfaced concerning the possibility of more wind turbines in the northeast portion of the county, and a project in that area would affect many more county residents.
JP Kellie Matt, from District 7, has taken a consistent stance against the wind turbines. She has spoken about traveling to Kansas, where wind farms are already in operation. Matt said people living in that area have many complaints about the turbines. She said, “I’m going to do whatever I can” to oppose the tall towers, but that will require convincing other JPs to impose setback requirements to keep the turbines from threatening adjacent properties.
JP Bruce Wright serves the Beaver Lake area. He has voiced concerns from the start about the safety of those living in the affected area. He has also emphasized environmental issues. “I stand where I have from the beginning,” he said. Wright said he has “trust issues” with large corporations and worries that “there are going to be repercussions from the project.”
JP Aaron Hall ran unopposed for the seat previously occupied by his father, Roger Hall. He plans to “observe and learn” in his initial meetings, and said he respects the views of people who are “passionate on both sides” of the issue. Hall said he can easily understand why some people would object to wind turbines, but he stands behind the county’s resistance to zoning and other restrictions on a landowner’s use of his acreage. “I can accept some regulations, but I believe in property rights,” he said.
New JP Bobby James ran unopposed in District 8. He said he has his own reasons to oppose the wind farm. Although he lives on the north side of Green Forest, he has a view to the ridge line south of Green Forest where the turbines will spin. “I can see why some people wouldn’t like them,” he said, “but as long as they’re not doing anything illegal, I don’t see an issue.” James also mentioned the deterioration in civil discourse. “I’m tired of the climate that if you don’t agree with me, you’re evil,” he said.
The remaining JPs have voted against attempts to derail the wind turbine project. They have cited a variety of reasons, including the county’s tradition of opposition to any restrictions on property rights. Some JPs have raised the possibility that creating legislation to target one specific company could place the county in legal jeopardy. Prosecuting Attorney Tony Rogers, who advises the quorum court, would not offer an opinion on the outcome of a possible lawsuit, but told the JPs that the county would have to hire a large outside law firm to respond to such a large company.
JPs held a brief meeting on Jan. 2 to set a schedule for meetings, and voted to continue on the present schedule, at 5 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. This schedule avoids potential conflicts with circuit court. The next meeting will be held Jan. 21.