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Dobrinski Comments on Wind Farm Conflict
at the High Plains Technology Center in Woodward, and he’s hopeful this solar project could lead to a similar new program opportunities at the Autry Technology Center in Enid. “At the end of the day, I certainly value the input of all my constituents living near this project. I’ve investigated each concern that has been shared. The Corporation Commission will continue to monitor this project, and the Southwest Power Pool will regulate its integration with their electrical grid. I believe the benefits this project promises to our state outweigh any minimal risk involved, which is always part of the discussion when considering any form of energy.”
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today issued the following statement regarding a wind, solar and battery energy storage project in Garfield County, a portion of which is in House District 59, which he represents.
NextEra Energy Resources LLC has completed the wind energy component of the Skeleton Creek project, which is generating up to 250 MW of wind energy, according to the company. Currently, the 250 MW solar and 200 MW battery storage components of the project are being developed.
“As a conservative Oklahoma Republican, I respect the rights of private landowners to utilize their assets as they choose,” Dobrinski said. “This project is not an imminent domain issue. All regulatory and environmental requirements are being followed. The truth is, without federal taxpayer funded subsidies for renewables by both the Biden and Obama administrations, many projects like these would be cost prohibitive. With NextEra's $7.6 billion already invested in Oklahoma, this project helps stabilize generation by renewables, petroleum, and other sources on our grid.”
Dobrinski said he’s heard from constituents on the issue and has researched their concerns. He said the project is not unlike high-pressure natural gas transmission lines near residential neighborhoods, the risks of which Oklahomans have historically accepted. The Skeleton Creek project is in line with Oklahoma's 'all of the above' energy approach, he said.
“Improving Oklahoma’s energy infrastructure to better manage the grid and utilize our assets as an energy exporter is the overall goal,” Dobrinski said. “The potential footprint of this project is 2,000 acres of rural agricultural land on which several private landowners have agreed to leasing arrangements. Like other petroleum and wind facilities throughout House District 59, this solar and storage project will generate taxes that will likely remove area schools from the fiscal limitations of the state school funding formula. This should greatly benefit our students, parents, and teachers in our local area.”
Dobrinski said the wind industry has created a nationally recognized career training program