Prospectors are attempting to develop utility scale commercial wind turbines in Alabama. Here you will find information about the dangers and risks to humans and the environment. Etowah and Cherokee counties have safety regulations to protect people from commercial wind turbines. Baldwin county has zoning that specifically addresses utility scale turbines. Cleburne county commission unanimously vo
ted in March of 2015 to ask the legislature to pass regulations that are the same at Etowah and Cherokee. Senator Gerald Dial successfully blocked the bill in spite of overwhelming public support. The noise and harmful effects of commercial wind turbines typically reach two to four miles. The Cleburne County regulations would require a 2500' setback, limit audible noise to 40dbA, and provide for the county commission to be involved in the permitting process. Unlike virtually every industry in Alabama, there are no state or local regulations for utility scale commercial wind turbines. Sixty-four counties in Alabama have no regulations, and have no means to protect the residents from these giant machines.
