Western Pa. man fights for backyard wind turbine

MONACA, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania man has run into local opposition to his plans to erect a wind turbine atop a 34-foot tower in his back yard.

Forty-four-year-old Chuck Thomas spent $12,000 on the turbine and tower, hoping to take advantage of a federal tax rebate and to save money on electricity. He figures he’ll recoup his money in about two years.

But Monaca police showed up threatening daily fines of $600 after he installed the unit Saturday. Borough officials say Thomas’ zoning variance request won’t be heard until Oct. 19. And officials plan to vote on an ordinance Oct. 13 that Thomas says unfairly singles him out.

It would ban turbines on properties smaller than two acres and require lots to be large enough to contain the tower if it fell. Thomas’ property doesn’t meet those requirements.