WIUM Tristates Public Radio

Wind Energy

Siemens Gamesa Announces Layoffs At Fort Madison Plant

By • Jan 24, 2018
Jason Parrott / TSPR

Siemens Gamesa announced Wednesday morning that it is permanently laying off 195 hourly workers and 7 salaried employees at its wind turbine blade manufacturing plant in Fort Madison.

Illinois Praised as Property Tax Model for Wind Farms

By Johnathan Hettinger & Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting • Dec 11, 2017
Darrell Hoemann/ Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

Illinois' taxing model for wind energy companies is touted as one of the best in the country, bringing in $30.4 million in property taxes in 2016, according to economic experts. Barton DeLacy, a tax expert from Chicago, said that the Illinois system is a good model that is very close to the value he gives to wind farms and is much more consistent than in other states.

Wind Energy Could Suffer Under US House Tax Bill Proposal

By • Nov 28, 2017

The tax reform bill passed Nov. 16 by the U.S. House could slow development in the wind energy sector by reopening a two-year-old deal.

One industry leader says they’ll need the Senate in their court to protect their current agreement, which phases out production and investment tax credits through 2020.

A New Use for the Former Maytag Plant in Galesburg

By T.J. Carson • Nov 23, 2016
T.J. Carson

The parking lot at the former Maytag plant in Galesburg will be in use again this week.  BNSF Logistics has agreed to lease the 50-acre property at 1801 Monmouth Blvd. from its owner, Industrial Realty Group, LLC. 

Plans Continue for Western Illinois Wind Farm

By • Jan 23, 2015
Rich Egger

Developers are not worried even though it’s been six years since plans were unveiled for a wind farm in Warren and McDonough Counties.

Western Illinois Wind Farm Waiting for Market to Improve

By • Sep 9, 2014
Rich Egger

It’s been a few years since the Cardinal Point Wind Farm was proposed, and it might be a few more years before construction begins.

Political Tone to Wind Announcement

By • Dec 18, 2013

The announcement that Siemens Energy has been hired to build nearly 450 wind turbines featured more than just celebrations and congratulations.  It had a distinct political feel as well.

Rural Neighbors Split on Wind Energy Lines

By Durrie Bouscaren • Nov 1, 2013
Durrie Bouscaren for Harvest Public Media

The rolling plains of Midwest farm country are being tapped for their natural resources again. This time, though, the bounty would be wind energy, instead of corn, wheat or soybeans.

Green Team Connects Businesses and Colleges in Galesburg

By Scott Stuntz • Aug 30, 2013
http://www.s-w-a-p.biz/

In a class room on Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, a small group of people sat watching a presentation by Tom Malek.

Loebsack : Flood Recovery $$$ Still Needed

By • Jun 28, 2012

Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA 2) says there is still work to do to make sure his state does not experience a repeat of the Flood of 2008.

It was four years ago, this month, when rivers throughout eastern Iowa overran their banks and caused billions of dollars in damage.

Some of the hardest hit areas were Iowa City and Cedar Rapids

Rep. Loebsack says there is still a need for money to help in the recovery.  He believes the funding is available in Washington D.C., if his colleagues can agree on how to divide it.