Protect
Rice County
Over 100 industrial wind turbines, each 600 feet tall, are proposed across our farmland, our communities, and our way of life.
What's Happening in Rice County
A large-scale industrial wind energy project threatens to permanently transform our agricultural landscape and communities.
A wind energy developer has filed plans with the FAA for 100+ industrial wind turbines across Rice County.
Proposed turbines would stand approximately 600 feet tall — nearly twice the height of the Statue of Liberty.
The project footprint spans from the Lyons area south to Sterling, east toward Little River and Windom.
Affected communities include: Lyons, Sterling, Little River, Windom, Raymond, Alden, Chase, Bushton, and surrounding rural areas.
The Rice County Planning & Zoning Commission and County Commissioners will decide whether to approve the project.
Developer: NextEra Energy — The project, filed as “Rice Wind” with the FAA, is being developed by NextEra Energy, one of the largest industrial wind developers in the country.
101 proposed turbine locations across Rice County. Click a marker for details.
Why We're Concerned
These aren't hypothetical worries — they're documented impacts from industrial wind projects across the country.
Property Values
Studies have documented property value declines of 7–25% for homes near industrial wind turbines. For a rural county like Rice, where property and land are families' primary wealth, this is devastating. Reduced property values also mean reduced tax revenue for schools and county services.
Health & Quality of Life
Industrial turbines generate low-frequency noise and infrasound. Residents near existing wind farms across Kansas have reported sleep disruption, headaches, and stress. Turbines also produce shadow flicker — a strobe-like effect from spinning blades — that affects nearby homes during certain times of day.
Scale & Proximity
These are not small windmills. At 600 feet, each turbine is nearly twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. With 100+ turbines proposed, the visual and physical impact on the landscape would be massive and irreversible.
Farmland & Rural Character
Rice County's identity is rooted in its agricultural heritage and open prairie. Industrializing thousands of acres permanently changes the character of the land and community that generations have built and maintained.
Wildlife
Wind turbines kill thousands of birds and bats annually. Central Kansas is a critical flyway, and Rice County is near Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge — two of the most important wetland habitats in North America.
Risks to Local Water Aquifer
Portions of Rice County's water table are as shallow as 5 feet below the surface. The bases of the proposed turbines extend 20 feet into the ground and span 60 feet in diameter — posing a serious risk of contaminating or disrupting the local aquifer that residents and farmers depend on.
Who Actually Benefits?
The electricity generated will not stay in Rice County. It feeds into the Southwest Power Pool grid and is sold elsewhere. Construction jobs are temporary (12–18 months). Permanent operations jobs are minimal (typically fewer than 15). Meanwhile, non-participating landowners bear the costs.
Kansas Communities Are Winning
Across the state, organized residents have successfully pushed back against industrial wind projects. Here's the proof.
Reno County
RejectedPlanning commission rejected a NextEra wind farm after organized residents pushed for stronger setbacks. First such rejection in Kansas.
Douglas County
StalledResidents lobbied for stricter regulations that stalled a wind proposal.
Franklin County
3-Year MoratoriumAchieved a 3-year moratorium on wind and solar construction through organized advocacy.
Shawnee, Harvey, Linn, McPherson Counties
Moratoriums / BansAdopted moratoriums or bans on new wind installations after community pushback.
Dickinson County
2-Year MoratoriumPlanning commission voted 6–1 for a 2-year moratorium on Hope Ridge Wind Farm.
Sumner County
Court VictoryLandowners won a court case — judge ruled commissioners lacked authority to issue the Conditional Use Permit.
Osage County (2026)
Developer AbandonedDeveloper Steelhead Americas (Vestas) abandoned the Auburn Harvest Wind Project after the county unanimously blocked wind and solar development.
Take Action Today
Three concrete things you can do right now to protect Rice County.
Sign the Petition
Add your name to the growing list of Rice County residents opposing industrial wind turbines. Every signature strengthens our case to the commissioners.
Sign NowContact Your Commissioners
They decide whether this project moves forward. Let them know where you stand.
Attend a Meeting
Show up. It matters. County commissioners and P&Z board members pay attention to who fills the room.
Rice County Courthouse
101 W Commercial, Lyons, KS
(except federal holidays)
Next P&Z Hearing
Date TBD — check back for updates
Sample Letter to Commissioners
Dear Commissioner [NAME],
I am writing as a concerned resident of Rice County to express my opposition to the proposed industrial wind turbine project ("Rice Wind") that would place over 100 turbines, each approximately 600 feet tall, across our county.
I urge you to consider the following:
• Property values near industrial wind turbines have been documented to decline 7–25%, directly affecting the primary asset of rural families.
• The scale of this project — 100+ turbines spanning from Lyons to Sterling to Little River — would fundamentally and permanently alter the character of our communities.
• Rice County is located near Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, two of the most important wetland habitats in North America. The impact on migratory birds and wildlife could be devastating.
• The electricity generated will not serve Rice County residents. The benefits flow out of our county while the costs stay.
Other Kansas counties — including Reno, Franklin, Dickinson, and Osage — have taken action to protect their communities. I ask that you do the same for Rice County.
Please represent the interests of Rice County residents, not out-of-state developers.
Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]Customize this letter with your name and specific concerns before sending.
Sign the Petition to Protect Our County
Your commissioners need to hear from you. Every signature on this petition will be presented directly to the Rice County Commission and Planning & Zoning Board.
Support the Effort
This is a 100% grassroots campaign — no corporate backing, no outside money. Your donations help cover printing, signs, legal research, and community outreach.
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Resources
Links to official county pages, research, and community resources.