Apex Clean Energy is proud to bring Big Bluestem Wind to Henry County, a project designed to deliver clean, reliable electricity while creating long-term economic opportunity for local families, schools, and communities. And despite recent changes in federal legislation — including the phase-out of tax credits and new executive orders — one thing remains steady: renewable energy is the cheapest form of power generation Americans can put on the grid — with or without subsidies.
Built to Last—With or Without Subsidies
Recent federal actions like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Executive Order 14315 have tightened rules around renewable energy tax credits. But here’s the truth: Wind Energy doesn’t depend on subsidies to succeed.
–Economics First: Wind and solar energy are now the most affordable sources of electricity on the grid—even without federal incentives. According to Lazard, wind has seen a cost reduction of 85% over the last 25 years due to innovations in turbine technology, plus markets of scale and improved siting.
–A Technology Improving for You: It’s not just the cost of wind farms that’s better now. Many of the technological innovations in wind energy have improved the experience of living near a wind farm. Serrated turbine blade edges and variable-speed operation both minimize noise. Fewer, taller turbines declutter the view. And the use of Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS), on today’s turbines means you won’t see blinking lights unless a plane flies nearby.
—Not Affected by Offshore or Public Land Restrictions: Executive orders restricting the siting of wind energy only apply to offshore wind and the leasing of federal land. Apex is a private company developing projects by leasing private land in accordance with state and local laws.
Jobs, Revenue, and Local Investment
Renewable energy projects like Big Bluestem Wind can be real, homegrown economic drivers.
–Jobs for Local Workers: Big Bluestem will create hundreds of well-paid construction jobs for Illinois laborers, and up to 12 full-time careers.
–Revenue for Schools and Services: Over its lifespan, Big Bluestem will generate $95 million in property tax revenue for schools, fire districts, libraries, and county services. Over $55 million of that will go to local school districts.
–Reliable Lease Payments: Participating landowners will receive annual payments, helping families plan for the future with confidence.
In Illinois alone, Apex projects in development represent over $7.9 billion in projected investment, $66 million in annual payments to landowners, nearly $1.2 billion in local tax revenue during the first 30 years, and over 3.9 gigawatts of homegrown, pollution-free energy.
Meeting Illinois’s Growing Energy Needs
America needs more power. A 2024 survey of 100,000 Americans by Ernst Young found that two-thirds of Americans could not afford a 10% increase in their energy costs, yet prices for consumers are going up as data centers, AI, electrification, and industrial growth drive unprecedented demand. An “all of the above” strategy is needed to deliver more power to the grid, and renewable energy projects like Big Bluestem Wind are doing their part. 95% of projects in the United States in line to be permitted and built are solar, storage, and wind and according to Time, clean power projects can alleviate price pressure on the grid.
Want to Learn More?
Visit www.bigbluestemwind.com or call 309-869-7934 to speak with our team, schedule a meeting or sign up for updates.
Big Bluestem Wind is a project of Apex Clean Energy—a national leader in utility-scale wind, solar, and storage, committed to building lasting partnerships with rural communities.
