Ordinances, Regulations & Decommissioning Plans

How to Use These Documents

Use these PDFs to:

  • Compare your county’s rules to others

  • Share examples with zoning boards or elected officials

  • Understand how decommissioning costs are (or aren’t) handled

  • Build your case for stronger protections in your area

  • Worth County Wind Ordinance (2022)

    A comprehensive, citizen-backed ordinance outlining turbine setbacks, sound regulations, and shadow flicker limits.

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  • Buchanan County Wind Energy Conversion System Zoning Ordinance (2020)

    Includes zoning definitions, tower height restrictions, and permitting guidelines for large-scale wind systems.

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  • Henry County Alternative Energy Ordinance – First Reading (2025)

    The initial reading of Henry County’s revised zoning ordinance, with focus on industrial wind and alternative energy facilities.

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  • Cerro Gordo County Planning & Zoning Report (2024)

    A massive, 100-page analysis of the impacts of wind, solar, and battery development, backed by public comment and state planning principles.

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  • Worth County – Rationale of Key Aspects of Wind Ordinance

    Explains the why behind ordinance criteria like setbacks, decibel limits, and flicker protections — written for public understanding.

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  • Invenergy Decommissioning Plan – McLean County (2018)

    Outlines cost breakdowns and procedures to remove wind turbines, roads, and foundations at project end-of-life.

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  • Leeward Energy Decommissioning Plan – Lee County (2022)

    Prepared by Burns & McDonnell for the GSG Wind Farm, this plan details physical removal processes and estimated financial obligations.

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Your land is more than a piece of property — it’s your legacy.

What you choose to allow, protect, or stand against today will echo for generations. Wind developers count on confusion and quick decisions, but the truth is: knowledge is power. The more you understand — about contracts, zoning, decommissioning, and local precedent — the more equipped you are to protect what’s yours.

These documents aren’t just legal files. They’re blueprints for resistance, examples of courage, and proof that communities can — and do — stand up. Start learning. Stay prepared. This land deserves nothing less.