Controversial 50-turbine wind farm approved

The State Public Utilities Commission Thursday overrode county rules approved a controversial wind farm in Goodhue County.

The 50-turbine project generated strong opposition from some residents in the farming region in southeastern Minnesota.

Goodhue County adopted an ordinance requiring turbines to be at least a half-mile away from homes that do not benefit from the projects - a stipulation more restrictive than state guidelines.

The State Public Utilities Commission decided it could override the county rules, but created middle ground by requiring the developer to make a quote "good faith effort" to comply with the county ordinance.

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