ENERGIZING PUBLIC HEALTH INVOLVEMENT IN THE ENERGY SECTOR: ASSESSING WIND ENERGY IMPACTS IN KANSAS COUNTIES

Abstract

How we obtain, produce, store, and use energy profoundly influences the health of the public. Stable access to efficient, abundant, and clean energy in an increasingly electricity- dependent societal “ecosystem” is fundamental for human well being; however, the traditional public health sector often remains disconnected from the energy sector. This leads to community leaders failing to advocate for this critical need; unfortunately, it leads to a missed opportunity to connect how our energy infrastructure influences community health. With some energy sources being finite, renewable alternatives such as wind and solar energy hold promise in meeting electricity demands. Despite this, wind energy continues to be a controversial issue among Kansas counties (with solar also following this trend of criticism and dispute). Local government officials make decisions about local policies (e.g., ordinances, regulations, permits) regarding wind turbines, and ultimately decide whether a project can occur in their county. Recent federal incentives and national initiatives aim to expand upon existing renewable energy infrastructure and reach specific climate-related milestones to reduce the impacts of climate change. Achieving this goal is contingent on local governments being able to work with their communities and wind project developers to allow projects in their counties. If a county issues a moratorium on wind projects, it is not a permanent ban. That county is expected to work toward policies and provisions for future wind projects that would fit the county’s needs and mitigate negative impacts. This project was conducted at the Kansas Health Institute (KHI) in partnership with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and involved surveying county commissioners that has either allowed or considered allowing a wind project with at least five turbines in the past five years, or has a policy related to wind energy. Additionally, a policy scan was completed to identify how health impacts are considered and/or addressed in local wind policies. This integrated learning experience (ILE) report and its associated products provide understanding of county decision-making processes, local government policy development, wind projects and the expertise involved, and the impact of wind projects on communities.