A recent special meeting of the Hughes County Commissioners saw a large turnout of concerned citizens, as residents voiced their opposition to a wind turbine project proposed by RWE Renewables Americas LLC. It was revealed that the company has been making private agreements with landowners to install wind turbines on their property—a move that has sparked significant backlash from the community.

Hughes County Commissioner and Board Chairman, Coal Dilday addressed the rumors circulating about the project, clarifying that the county is not involved in installing wind turbines. “It’s this private company,” Dilday explained. RWE Renewables Americas was initially scheduled to present at the meeting but withdrew at the last minute, stating that attending “wasn’t in the best interest of the company.” They informed the commissioner that they felt as if they had a “target on their back”.

The meeting featured passionate comments from residents and representatives from other counties who have been impacted by similar projects.

Paige Newcomb, who is actively fighting wind turbines in Lincoln County, warned that the current situation is only the "first phase" of what could be a larger series of wind energy projects. “These projects only exist because of tax incentives,” she said, urging residents to avoid signing leases with the company. Newcomb emphasized the importance of community unity and communication: “Talk to your neighbors. Talk to anyone who will listen.”

Kyle Allen shared his experience from Pontotoc County, where wind turbines have already been installed near his home. “No one told me I would have to live looking at a wind turbine,” Allen said, describing the negative impact on his property and quality of life. “If you’re a landowner, you have rights. Don’t allow your neighbor to take your rights.”

Christina, a landowner from Lincoln County who runs Storybook Farm (check out her Facebook page Storybook Farms), spoke about her ongoing fight against wind turbines. She encouraged Hughes County residents to be proactive, join the statewide coalition of counties opposing these projects, and put up “No Wind Turbine” signs to demonstrate their opposition. There are websites set up for those wanting to be informed and involved. Check out www.nowindtrubineshughescounty.org for more information.

Local attorney Andy Baca noted the widespread confusion and lack of clear information from RWE.

"Every week it changes, and you can't find out exactly where it’s coming from,” he said, urging residents to remain vigilant and communicate their concerns to the commissioners.

Luke Kuhlman, whose family has lived in Hughes County for 50 years, expressed his belief that government needs to be more structured at the local level to protect communities from such projects. “It would be advantageous for a few folks and detrimental for everyone around them,” he said, encouraging everyone to be informed and to prioritize what’s best for the county and its residents.

John and Teresa Stirman, who own 120 acres in Hughes County, voiced their frustration over the secrecy surrounding the project. “They’ve been so secretive about this,” John said, explaining that the presence of wind turbines would destroy the investment they’ve made in their property. “They want to make even more money and make it off our backs. We have to stop this!”

Residents from other counties, including Sandy from Seminole County and Annette Mudd from here in Hughes County, highlighted potential health and environmental impacts associated with wind turbines, such as pressure-related health issues and wildlife disruption.

State Representative David Smith spoke about the broader issue, mentioning that the fight against wind turbines extends to Pittsburg County. “If they were so great, wouldn’t OKC and Tulsa want them?” he questioned, noting that a bill to make wind turbine companies pay taxes had failed to pass.

Former Hughes County Commissioner Gary Phillips shared a cautionary tale from Rogers County, where a fight against wind turbine companies ended with a $22 million lawsuit against the county. “The commissioners are doing all they can. But we have to be careful how we approach this,” Phillips warned.