Federal Court Hearing In Osage Nation Fight Against Wind Farm

A hearing is scheduled in federal court in Tulsa Wednesday on the Osage Nation's request to stop construction of a proposed wind farm in Osage County.

According to a court filing, attorneys for Wind Capital Group said they agreed with the plaintiff that a hearing for a preliminary injunction should occur soon because it will be difficult for the defendants to obtain financing until the issue is resolved.

The attorneys also wrote the project must start before the end of 2011 and be completed in 2012, which is the deadline to qualify for a federal production tax credit.

The Osage Nation alleges the wind turbines and their network of electrical lines and roads would interfere with oil production and harm the Tallgrass prairie's ecosystem.

10/19/2011 Related Story: Osage Nation Asks Federal Judge To Stop Wind Turbine Farm