"...renewable sources such as wind offer us the opportunity to create jobs, support our families, reduce our dependence on foreign oil producers, and be responsible stewards of our environment."
- Gov. Ted Strickland, March 14, 2007

Harvesting Ohio's Future

The Buckeye Wind Project, being developed by EverPower Wind Holdings, Inc., is a wind project that will provide Ohio with one of the cleanest, most environmentally friendly energy sources available.

EverPower has been working since 2006 to develop and harvest this natural energy source in Ohio and on April 24, 2009 became the first ever applicant for a commercial wind farm in Ohio. EverPower's application to the Ohio Power Siting Board is the culmination of extensive planning, environmental assessment and dialogue with the federal and state agencies, as well as the Champaign County community.

Please go to the OPSB website at http://dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?Caseno=08-0666 for more information on the Buckeye Wind application. An electronic or paper copy of the accepted, complete application is available from Buckeye Wind by contacting Michael Speerschneider of Buckeye Wind at 44 East 30th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10016, (646) 839-8928. Upon request for a paper copy of the accepted, complete application, Buckeye Wind will supply the copy within five business days at cost (estimated to exceed $300).

Wind energy is the fastest growing source of energy in the world and is inexhaustible and non-polluting. Wind energy emits no greenhouse gases, uses no water or other natural resources, and is compatible with mixed land use such as grazing, agriculture, or forestry. Wind power can provide a stable pricing structure for decades because it is not subject to fuel price volatility, like energy produced from fossil fuels. The project will help Ohio's economy create hundreds of jobs and could generate a billion dollars in economic activity throughout the region.

Wind Power in Ohio

Ohio is currently only using 1.8% of its total wind potential. Each turbine proposed for the Buckeye Wind Project could power 600-750 Ohio homes. In addition, wind turbine construction, operation, and maintenance will create new jobs, boosting the economy of the area. In fact, according to Environment Ohio, over 13,000 new manufacturing jobs could be created in Ohio with an investment in wind energy. Many of the materials, supplies, and services required during construction can be purchased locally.

Benefits to Landowners and the Community

The Ohio Department of Development cites renewable energy sources as a key to Ohio's competitiveness in recruiting and retaining businesses. Currently, the state is supporting the development of wind power through the Ohio Wind Production & Manufacturing Incentive Program of Ohio's Advanced Energy Fund.

Wind energy provides farming communities with a new source of long-term revenue with little impact to existing agricultural operations. A modern, utility-scale wind turbine provides income to a landowner leasing his wind rights. Farmers can continue to grow crops up to the base of the turbines located on their land. This boost to Ohio's rural economies and the additional income for farmers will reinvigorate rural Ohio.

Finally, tax payments from wind projects to school districts, town, and county or state governments will improve local services and reduce tax burdens on local residents.