"Federal judge rules against Osage Nation in wind farm fight," 16 December 2011

A federal judge declined the Osage Nation’s request to stop a proposed wind farm from construction in western Osage County, stating the tribe failed to prove it would be harmed by the project. ...

Tom Green, Wind Capital Group’s senior manager of project development, said the Osage County project is the first one for the company planned in an oil field area. ...

Principal Chief John Red Eagle issued a statement after the ruling in which he said: “We are truly disappointed with the decision of the court to rule in favor of Wind Capital Group and allow industrial wind development in Osage County. However, we are exploring all our legal options.

“It is our firm belief that the legal standing of the Osage Mineral Estate is paramount and fully protected under federal law,” said Chief Red Eagle, “Should this ruling stand, it would likely have a significant impact on the individual incomes of those who receive oil and gas royalties in Osage County, and it will have an adverse impact on the tribe’s ability to develop its mineral estate.

Wind Capital Group spokesman Tony Lynch also added: “We have the utmost respect for the Osage Nation and hope we can work together in the future for the betterment and benefit of Osage County and its residents.”

In his statement, Chief Red Eagle also said: “It is very likely the targeted area for wind development would intrude upon sacred Osage burial sites, which poses a major threat to the tribe’s culture.”