In my early days at the paper, my friend and fellow writer, Carole Olson, wrote a Star Herald column about the NIMBY phenomenon — Not In My Back Yard.
I don’t remember what the issue was — perhaps the airport runway expansion, and the nimbys had been articulate.
They supported the project in general, as long as it didn’t affect them directly.
The words in Carole’s column gently reminded us that a good idea for the community is a good idea for all in the community.
Even if it’s in our own back yards.
Over the years I’ve written dozens of Star Herald stories that include urgent, heartfelt nimby quotes.
“I realize Luverne needs more housing, but I don’t want to give up my green view across the street.”
And, “Why can’t they build somewhere else?” (Like someone else’s back yard.)
More recently the Star Herald has followed the development of a proposed wind farm in western Rock County.
“I support green energy, but I don’t a turbine in my back yard,” … said Lori Sorenson under her breath.
Yes, now I’m the nimby. I live next to the planned Walleye Wind Farm.
I’ve always sympathized with other nimbys but believed if it were me, I’d support the broader good.
Now I’m trying really hard to be a good sport.
But I’m not going to lie.
A 300-foot-tall tower with 175-foot-long rotating blades will forever change the horizon I’ve come to know and love.
My favorite part of the local landscape is its wide open, unobstructed view.
My Facebook feed often features photographs of golden cornfields against the backdrop of spectacular sunsets. Or storm clouds building over fields of deep green soybean rows.
On a clear day, we can stand on our porch and find the distinctive bell towers of the Sioux Falls Cathedral 25 miles away.
If a turbine doesn’t soon stand in the way.
See how I’m struggling?
A turbine isn’t planned for our land (meaning we won’t get a lucrative land lease), but we’ll get to look at it.
I’ve considered the drawbacks — like noise. But we live on a noisy highway that will likely drown out any whooshing wind turbine noises.
And I’ve heard the unsourced stories about wind farm owners with ill will and that wind turbines cause cancer.
However, there are so many more pros than cons to wind energy.
The world needs renewable clean energy, because fossil fuels pollute and harm the environment and they come from sources that will eventually run out.
Of all renewable energies — solar, hydro, geothermal — wind has the potential to produce the most reliable long-term power.
And wind turbine technology is improving every day. We’re getting twice the energy from half the equipment and it’s costing much less to produce.
So, I’m focusing on the positives …
… and looking forward to my back yard promoting green energy for the greater good.