State Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) and Representative Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) announced today their opposition to the proposed wind turbine project in Cumberland County.  Sen. Bailey and Rep. Sexton join Congressman Diane Black and Senator Lamar Alexander in raising questions regarding the location of close to 30 wind mills along ridge line property near Crab Orchard.

“The wind turbine project proposed for Cumberland County would take us in the wrong direction for economic development in the Upper Cumberland,” said Bailey.  “Tourism is over a $17 billion industry in Tennessee and it would be a step backwards to mar our scenic beauty with unsightly turbines.”
“I have a real worry that years from now the wind turbines won’t be functional and will be obsolete making them more of a statue than an energy source,” Sexton stated.

Bailey and Sexton discussed the issue at a townhall meeting earlier this year with over 300 Fairfield Glade residents.

“This community has shown almost unanimous opposition to the proposed project,” Bailey noted.  “Citizens’ concerns go way beyond simply not wanting this type of development in their proximity. There are serious concerns over wildlife habitats within both Catoosa Wildlife Preserve and Big South Fork.”

“The local residents and home owners have voiced major concerns on this project,” said Sexton.  “The minimum number of jobs created and the limited economic and energy benefits for Cumberland County residents are why I oppose this project.”

The senator and representative restated their commitment to economic development in the Upper Cumberland region and pledged to be ambassadors to attract new jobs and support existing business.

“Given that this project would only create a handful of permanent jobs and have a potentially negative impact on tourism, the wind turbine project simply isn’t a good fit for our community or our future,” Bailey concluded.