Welcome to
Protect Illinois' Environment (PIE). This web site is dedicated
to the people of the state of Illinois, who deserve to live and should
live in an environment that is healthful, where the use of resources is
well-planned and evenly implemented across all borders. PIE also
concerns itself with national environmental issues, believing that what
affects the nation affects Illinois.
PIE seeks to promote
sustainable consumption and conscious choice, to maintain or improve air
and water quality, and to manage greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear
waste, and other byproducts of current energy production and
consumption.
We understand that change is, and will
continue to be, the norm, but we are concerned about the current extent
and pace of change, and its ultimate effect on our state, our nation,
and our planet.
Our current, most pressing concern is the
existence of, and the proposed construction of, industrial wind energy
installations in the state of Illinois. The irreparable ecological
damage, resultant visual pollution, and the terrible divisiveness that
wind farms cause in both communities and families far outweigh any
possible benefit their insignificant and entirely unreliable
contribution to our ongoing energy needs may bring. The tremendous
damage to the countryside and the huge financial burden they place on
the public simply cannot be justified.
Should you have any questions or
comments, please e-mail them to:
admin@protectillinoisenvironment.com
Or send us a note at:
Protect Illinois' Environment
P.O. Box 212
Lee, IL 60530
Or call us at (815) 751-9934
Thank you for your interest.
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WE NEED YOUR HELP!
A new energy reform bill (H. R. 2337) was introduced in the House of
Representatives of the 110th Congress on May 16, 2007. The bill
immediately drew the ire of the gas, oil, and wind energy consortiums - they stand
to lose a lot if this bill is passed. And YOU stand to lose a lot more
if it ISN'T passed. Please click here to
read the latest on attempts to produce energy responsibly in our
country, and for a link to a letter to send your legislators, asking
their support in passing this critically important bill.
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PROPERTY VALUES DECREASE BECAUSE OF TURBINES!
Opponents of industrial farms have long known that property values
decline when wind turbines are erected. Strong evidence
now exists that allowing the construction of
industrial wind turbines near residential properties causes a decrease in
the value of said property.According to a
survey taken by the Lincoln Township (WI) Moratorium Committee, 74% of
survey respondents said they would not build or buy within one quarter mile
of wind turbines; 61% stated they would not build or buy within one half
mile of wind turbines, and 41% of survey respondents said they would have to
be two or more miles away from any wind turbines in order to build or buy
residential properties.
Sales within one mile away from the turbines prior to
construction in this area were at 104% of assessed value. Properties selling
in the same area after construction of the turbines sold at 78% of assessed
value. Nothing changed in the area except the construction of the turbines,
so it is reasonable to believe that the 26% drop in value was due to
turbine construction alone.
A case in point is the
property located at 935 S. Bingham Road in Steward, Illinois, a rural area
approximately 60 miles west of Chicago. The house
was built post-turbine construction, on speculation that it would sell once
built. Here are the particulars of construction:
- New, ranch-style construction on 5 acres of land
- Hardwood floors
- Ceramic baths
- Vaulted ceilings
- Gas fireplace
- 3 bedrooms
- 18' x 15' master bedroom
- Large kitchen with 8-foot breakfast bar
- 2 baths - master bath has Jacuzzi and walk-in shower
- Double sinks in kitchen
- Full basement
- Central air
- 48' x 50' barn, with water and electric
- Attached 2-car garage
The house was built in the fall of 2005, and was
originally priced at $329,900.
It was reduced in price in April 2006, to $325,000
It was reduced in price again in June 2006, to $319,900
It was reduced in price again in August 2006, to $314,900
It was reduced in price again in February 2007, to $309,900
The property has been listed by four realtors so far -
as of November 30, 2007, no
offers for the property have been made.
At least one realtor has refused to even list the property,
stating that it would be a waste of time and money to attempt to sell the
property, as any prospective buyers have noted concerns about the wind
turbines surrounding the house.
What does the property look like? The pictures below were
provided by J. Arthur McFall, a local resident.
