Rivian hosts public hearing on its proposed wind energy project

Posted on June 30, 2022

NORMAL – Rivian is meeting with the public to discuss plans to put up a wind turbine at its plant in Normal.

About a dozen curious people showed up at public comment session Wednesday night at Heartland Community College, and no one who attended indicated they’re opposed to the plan.

Rivian wants to install a 500 foot tall wind turbine on the vehicle test track on the east side of its campus.

The turbine would give newly-made Rivian sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks their first “all green” charge.

“Over the next decade, in particular, you’ll see more and more renewable energy opportunities throughout the plant and manufacturing environment as a whole,” said Zach Dietmeier, senior manager of plant communications at Rivian.

“We’re very dedicated to producing projects and products on-site that are good for the environment and also improving our sourcing as we go,” Dietmeier added.

Rivian’s proposed turbine is about 200 feet taller than the one on Heartland’s campus.

The new turbine would generate about $600,000 in new property tax revenue over 25 years, according to Rivian.

The next step is a public hearing and an expected vote by the Normal Planning Commission July 7. The Normal Town Council is expected to take final action at its July 18 meeting.

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