Leslie council voices concern about nearby wind turbine development, adopts resolution

The City Council adopted Resolution 1‑32 on Aug. 4 expressing concern about potential wind energy development within the area surrounding Leslie and asking that developers comply with state law and environmental study requirements.

Resolution 1‑32 references Act 945 of 2025, which the resolution says prohibits wind turbine bases within one mile of city or town limits and requires an environmental impact assessment that includes hydrogeological review within a specified radius. Speaker 4 said the city is worried about effects on scenic character, increased impervious surfaces and mountain runoff that could worsen local flooding; he also reported his research and stated his opposition, saying he personally “does not want them anywhere near where we're at.”

During discussion several council members asked whether the text should use the term “wind turbines” rather than “windmills” to match the developer’s terminology and the state statute; Speaker 3 and Speaker 1 both favored changing the wording to “wind turbines.” Speaker 1 emphasized the motion is not a ban or moratorium but a request that any developer “follow the law.” The council amended the language to use 'wind turbines' and adopted the resolution after a motion and second.

Notable claims and responses: Speaker 4 repeated concerns he had read about vibrations from turbines harming livestock and people; while the council recorded those concerns, no study or technical evidence was cited in the meeting and staff did not confirm such health impacts. Speaker 1 repeatedly framed the city’s position as asking developers to comply with the state statute rather than imposing local prohibitions.

Next steps: The adopted resolution asks that environmental impact studies for any permit application address water runoff into Leslie; the resolution and any comments will be available in the city's records.