Pattern Energy Faces Continued Public Backlash Over ‘Shoals’ Wind and Solar Project

Montgomery County Development and Personnel Committee | April 2026

Article Summary: Representatives from Pattern Energy addressed the Development and Personnel Committee regarding their proposed 500MW hybrid renewable project, facing intense scrutiny from residents who alleged the company has spread misinformation and ignored landowner questions.

Pattern Energy Project Key Points:

• Pattern Energy announced plans to submit a siting permit application for the “Shoals” 500-megawatt hybrid wind and solar project in 2027.

• The company highlighted a recent $10,000 donation for a helipad in Raymond, where their local office is located.

• Multiple residents accused the developer of spreading misinformation regarding signed leases and failing to respond to questions regarding turbine density and footprint boundaries.

• Committee Chairman Chad Ruppert displayed a map of parcels with recorded lease agreements, noting the map does not officially signify actual tower locations.

The Montgomery County Development and Personnel Committee heard an update on Tuesday, April 6, 2026, from Pattern Energy regarding its massive proposed wind and solar development, drawing another round of sharp criticism from local residents concerned about the project’s regional impact.

Maggie Poteau, representing Pattern Energy, read a prepared statement to the committee regarding the “Shoals” 500-megawatt hybrid wind and solar project. Poteau reported that the company has established an office in Raymond and is currently “winding down” land acquisition after receiving what she described as a great deal of support. Pattern Energy plans to submit a formal siting permit application to the county in 2027.

Poteau emphasized the company’s efforts to establish open dialogue and fact-based conversations, noting that the project has updated its website and launched a Facebook page. She also highlighted a $10,000 donation the company made toward a helipad in Raymond, which is scheduled to be dedicated on April 18.

Following the presentation, the committee opened the floor to public comment, revealing a stark contrast between the developer’s narrative and the experiences of several rural landowners.

Resident Dan Mulch, who previously spoke out against the developer at the March full board meeting, acknowledged that information is beginning to flow but requested that Pattern Energy “keep it coming.” Mulch demanded further transparency regarding the project’s footprint, the specific number and type of turbine towers planned, and detailed locations for the interconnect infrastructure.

Other residents reported a complete breakdown in communication. Heath Houck informed the committee that his property lies within the proposed transmission line area, but he has never received a response from the company after requesting basic information regarding pole types, heights, and density. Houck accused Pattern Energy of repeatedly spreading misinformation regarding which landowners have actually signed agreements.

Local farmer Mark Schweizer told the committee that while he produces his own renewable power via a 150-foot, 15-watt turbine on his property, he has refused to sign an agreement with Pattern Energy. Schweizer cited concerns over the project’s impact on his neighbors and the long-term environmental consequences, specifically the massive amounts of concrete that would be left in the ground post-decommissioning.

Residents Jason Goby and Ryan Bruntjen echoed claims of misinformation circulating about signed lease agreements, with Goby specifically questioning the project’s footprint boundary map and standard lease terms.

In response to the property owners, Committee Chairman Chad Ruppert stated that specific questions regarding turbine placement and density would be addressed during the formal permitting process. Ruppert then displayed a map featuring parcels with recorded lease agreements, though he attached a legal disclaimer cautioning that the map does not include legal descriptions and does not necessarily indicate where towers will ultimately be built. County Clerk Sandy Leitheiser also briefed attendees on how to obtain accurate information using free online land records searches.

Poteau stated that the Shoals team will provide a more comprehensive update to the full County Board at their upcoming meeting on April 14, 2026.

Meeting Briefs

CO2 Sequestration Plan Discovered
The Development and Personnel Committee is actively monitoring a newly discovered carbon sequestration plan targeting Montgomery County. The committee reviewed a March 25 email from the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, which alerted Chairman Doug Donaldson to a proposal by Elysian Carbon Management to store carbon dioxide within the county. The coalition discovered the plan by monitoring the U.S. EPA’s project tracker.

Animal Control Surplus and Adoptions
The Development and Personnel Committee unanimously voted to declare the Animal Control department’s 2008 Ram 1500 as surplus property, authorizing it to be advertised for sale via sealed bid. Animal Control Warden Tricia Papin also reported that the facility currently houses 19 dogs and puppies and 10 cats and kittens. To help manage the population, adoption events are scheduled for April 18, May 1, and May 18.

Small Business and Tourism Grants
County Board Administration has applied to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to modify the county’s Phase I grant, seeking an additional $67,606 to fund further Small Biz grants. Separately, the Development and Personnel Committee scored 12 Tourism Grant applications. With $11,750 requested and only $5,000 available in funding, the committee mathematically adjusted the awards, resulting in final grant amounts ranging from $225 to $625.

Elm Lawn Solar Hearing Scheduled
The Development and Personnel Committee has tentatively set a public hearing regarding the Elm Lawn Solar project. The hearing will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in the County Board Room at the Historic Courthouse. Representatives from the county will also meet with the City of Litchfield regarding the application on April 10 at Litchfield City Hall.