Sandy Layton owns a flower and gift shop in welch, a small agricultural town about nine miles from the kansas border. She and her husband, Gary, a cattle rancher, live on approximately 1,500 acres.

Welch has a population of around 633, slightly less than when Layton moved there in 1978. At that time, the town was supported by a thriving coal industry with several active mines and a large workforce.

“During that time, we had three cafes, two quicktrips, we actually even had a grocery store at one time,” Layton said. “I would say that’s probably just about where everyone in this town worked,was the coal mines.”

today, the mines are closed as other energy sources have become more affordable, and lawmakers are encouraging alternative fuels like natural gas. Like many rural communities across the country, Welch’s economic situation has changed with the shift in energy production.

Though, some landowners in eastern Oklahoma, like the Laytons, are optimistic about a potential boost from a newer industry: wind energy.

As part of Climate Solutions Week, this article explores how wind energy enables some Oklahomans to live where and how they want. This final installment examines the industry’s expansion into the eastern part of the state and what the future may hold for wind energy there.

Wind Power Faces Resistance as it Flows Eastward

Representatives from Triple Oak power, an Oregon-based wind energy company, began contacting landowners in Craig county about two years ago, seeking land to lease for a future project. As of early June, approximately 50 landowners have signed up for the Cabin Creek Wind project.

The Laytons were initially hesitant about the idea of having tall wind turbines on their property. However, the possibility of preserving the property for their children and grandchildren without the burden of ongoing maintenance costs convinced them to consider it.

Combined with the knowledge that wind projects have historically contributed millions in revenue to towns through ad valorem taxes, the family decided to sign on. Sandy Layton also took on the role of community liaison for the company after becoming a leaseholder.

“ You start talking about what this will do for our community, it’s going to give us a great school with wonderful facilities,” she said. She also hopes for an updated water system and faster ambulance service.

“ There’s all kinds of possibilities,” she said.

Cabin Creek, which projects $44 million in property taxes within 10 years of operation, is just one of several projects planned for this side of the state.

RWE, another energy company, is developing the Prairie Wolf Wind Farm in Hughes and Okfuskee Counties, as well as the Verdigris Wind Farm in Craig and Nowata Counties. If built, these three projects will significantly increase the state’s wind energy capacity.

However, the expansion of wind energy in eastern Oklahoma has faced resistance. Some residents and lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential impact of wind turbines on property values, scenic views, and wildlife.

These concerns have led to proposals for stricter regulations on wind energy advancement, including increased setback requirements (the minimum distance between turbines and property lines). Although these bills failed to pass in the moast recent legislative session, the debate is likely to continue.

“ You start talking about what this will do for our community, it’s going to give us a great school with wonderful facilities.”

The Future of Wind Energy in Oklahoma

Despite the challenges, wind energy is expected to continue to grow in Oklahoma. The state has abundant wind resources, and the cost of wind power has declined significantly in recent years, making it an increasingly competitive source of electricity.

In eastern Oklahoma counties, it could be several years before announced projects begin construction.Cabin Creek has a projected start in 2027. The Laytons currently receive an annual rent check for their lease, which the family considers minimal.

“ every little bit helps,” Sandy Layton said. “And I mean, as you know, today’s inflation, think of the feed costs, the fertilizer, the spray, everything that goes up just maintaining.”

Layton watched the most recent legislative session closely and drove a nearly 6-hour round-trip multiple times to the Capitol. Even though the setback bills failed this year, the proposals may resurface in 2026.

Reading a note she wrote before being interviewed for this story, Layton said the project could provide a critical economic value to the once-coal town.

“When our kids graduated and went off to college, they never returned home,” she said. “Five families cannot live off of 1,500 acres, and there’s definitely not a good-paying job market in this area.”

“I only wish this opportunity had come along 35 years ago.”