And so, having blown around in circles at the state Capitol for the last year, Wisconsin's rules for erecting wind turbines are right back where they started — and belong.

Wisconsin will treat property owners and energy companies fairly while giving this clean energy option a chance to thrive.

Wind turbines will have to be at least 1,250 feet — more than four football fields — away from the nearest neighbor's home. This is reasonable. Turbines also will have to be farther away from the closest property line than they are tall.

The rules were supposed to take effect more than a year ago. But Gov. Scott Walker and others stalled implementation, seeking restrictions that industry experts said were unheard of in other states. As a result, Wisconsin's wind industry faltered while state lawmakers and lobbyists spend huge amounts of time and money arguing the issue.

In the end, the Legislature's regular session expired last month without excessive restrictions being approved. That's good. It means the original bipartisan agreement for modern and consistent wind turbine siting rules will finally apply.