A grassroots group called “No To Peoria County Windmills” is attempting to stop four proposed windmill projects in Peoria County. Farmer Dan Hines, a spokesperson for the group, told local radio that the first project in northwest Peoria County has received Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration approval for up to 124 windmills that are almost 700 feet tall.

“630 feet is the height of the St. Louis Arch, so we’d be almost 60 feet taller. And, the props are almost 220 feet, so it’s gonna span about 400 feet,” Hines explained. He noted that the windmills in nearby Wyoming, Illinois are about half the size, at 350 to 400 feet tall.

The wind farm projects are being proposed by Repsol, a Spanish-based oil and gas company. Hines claims that the company would receive hundreds of millions in federal tax dollars due to subsidies for such projects.

The “No To Peoria County Windmills” group argues that the windmills decrease farm property values, produce vibrations which negatively affect livestock and wildlife, and can cause health issues for people living nearby. They have placed signs throughout Peoria County to raise awareness and are urging residents to contact their representatives on the Peoria County Board to voice their concerns.