A growing number of counties in Northwest Arkansas are imposing temporary bans on the construction of wind farms, citing concerns over the potential impact on the region’s natural beauty, property values, and emergency response capabilities. Crawford County is the latest to join the trend, passing a five-year moratorium on commercial wind turbines. Other counties, including Carroll, Madison, Newton, and Boone, have also passed similar ordinances.
The pushback is largely in response to the development of the Nimbus Project, a 30-turbine wind farm being built by Scout Clean Energy in Carroll County. Local residents have expressed concerns over the potential decline in property values, with some suggesting that homes within a mile of a wind farm could see a drop in value of up to 18%. There are also concerns over the ability of rural volunteer fire departments to respond to wind turbine fires.
In addition, the unique geology of the Ozark region, known as karst terrain, has raised concerns over the potential for sinkholes and blasting damage during construction. Caroline Rogers, a justice of the peace in Carroll County, has been a vocal opponent of wind farms, citing the need for a more cautious approach. “The moratorium is just… it’s a really good idea because what it does is it puts a pause on wind development so that the quorum courts—the county quorum courts—can really take a look at all the risks that are associated,” she said.
Despite the concerns, Scout Clean Energy says the Nimbus Wind Farm will generate 180 megawatts of power, enough to power tens of thousands of homes, and bring in $31 million in tax revenue over the project’s 30-year lifespan. However, local officials remain skeptical, and the moratoriums are seen as a way to hit the pause button on wind farm development while the risks and benefits are carefully considered.
The issue has also drawn attention from state lawmakers, with State Rep. Brad Hall and State Sen. Bryan King expressing concerns over the potential impact of wind farms on the region. While Arkansas recently passed the Wind Energy Development Act, King says the legislation doesn’t go far enough to address the concerns of local residents. At the federal level, the Big Beautiful Bill has eliminated major tax credits for clean energy projects, but it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Nimbus Project, which is already under construction. Scout Clean Energy says the project is scheduled to be completed early next year, with nearly 200 workers currently building the wind farm.