Wind Turbine Height Limit Set For Rural Areas Near Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Large wind turbines will be banned in rural areas around Lafayette under a new county ordinance.

Tippecanoe County commissioners voted 3-0 on Monday to prohibit any turbines taller than 140 feet. The (Lafayette) Journal & Courier reports the regulation will effectively shut out commercial turbines, which can range from 300 feet to 600 feet tall, as seen at wind farms in neighboring Benton and White counties.

Supporters of the limits say allowing large turbines would hamper development in Tippecanoe County by tying up thousands of acres in long-term leases and hurt property values of homes near such turbines.

Lafayette resident Derek Reuters argued the ban sends the wrong message by saying Purdue University's host community doesn't support the growth of renewable energy production.