Pennsylvania Governor works with large group on wind siting guidelines

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell (D) has unveiled a model ordinance that will help clarify the siting rules for wind farms within the state. The draft ordinance represents a model that other states can follow, according to the Governor’s office.

“Wind turbines are playing a central role in building Pennsylvania’s clean energy future by helping to keep our economy growing and our environment clean,” Rendell said in a keynote speech at the annual convention of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS). “This ordinance strikes a balance that ensures continued investments in advanced energy technologies, protects the quality of life for residents, and reinforces Pennsylvania’s position as a national energy leader. Ensuring we have the resources to continue to grow is all the more important as concerns about energy become more pressing.”

The model ordinance represents the collaborative efforts of state and local governments with the private sector. Participants included PSATS, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, environmental advocacy group PennFuture, and wind energy development companies Community Energy, FPL Energy, PPM Energy, and Gamesa Corp.

Stakeholders began meeting last fall to craft the model ordinance. The ordinance is designed as a template that local governments can adjust to their specific needs. Issues addressed in the model ordinance include visual appearance of wind turbines and related infrastructure, sound levels, shadow flicker, minimum property setbacks, interference with communications devices, protection of public roads, liability insurance, decommissioning and dispute resolution.

Public comment and involvement are intended to be part of the local implementation of the ordinance.

Not only do wind farms produce clean electricity, but they also can significantly reduce the tax burden on residents living in host communities. Wind energy also adds a promising dimension to farming and offers an economic boost to agricultural communities. A wind farm can provide stable income to farmers through reduced utility bills or land rentals. Landowners can receive up to $4,000 annually per turbine and still have more than 95% of their land available for farming.

“As we continue our drive to position Pennsylvania at the forefront of the manufacturing and deployment of alternative energy technologies, we must protect our residents’ quality of life and the richness of Pennsylvania’s beauty,” Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. “By proactively addressing these development issues, we protect our residents and the environment at the same time that we provide wind energy developers the certainty they need to go forward with significant investments.”

Pennsylvania’s new Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard will create the incentives for 3,000-4,000 MW of wind energy in the state. The law requires that 18% of all energy generated comes from clean, efficient sources by 2020. Benefits include $10 billion in increased output for the commonwealth, $3 billion in additional earnings and as many as 4,000 news jobs for residents.

“PSATS applauds the Governor’s willingness to find alternative energy sources and bring them to Pennsylvania,” PSATS Assistant Executive Director Elam Herr said. “Because this issue goes beyond energy independence, PSATS felt it was imperative to be at the table to discuss related concerns that might impact its 1,456 member townships. It was our goal to have a viable model wind ordinance that townships and other municipalities could use to pattern their own ordinances after. The model ordinance is not to be looked at as a final document, but as one that addresses specific areas of concern when siting a wind farm facility.”

“PennFuture is pleased to be part of ensuring that wind energy is a growing part of Pennsylvania’s electricity market,” PennFuture President and CEO John Hanger said. “Wind power is good for both the environment and economy. Electricity from wind power is produced with few risks to human health and the planet. Wind power creates zero mercury pollution, zero acid rain, zero mining destruction of habitat and streams, zero soot that kills more than 20,000 Americans each year, zero dependence on foreign fuel, zero terrorist targets, zero lethal waste that can’t be stored, and zero global warming pollution.”

“The Governor’s leadership on energy once again puts Pennsylvania in the lead in expanding an exciting source of clean energy – wind generation – in a way that works for everyone,” Community Energy President Brent Alderfer said. “The model wind ordinance gives communities the standards they need to ensure that wind generation with all of its impressive energy and environmental advantages doesn’t disadvantage its neighbors. We were pleased to be part of the effort.”

“We at Gamesa Energy are extremely pleased with the model ordinance for wind energy facilities in Pennsylvania, and we have enjoyed working with representatives from Governor Rendell’s team, the Commonwealth’s counties and townships, PennFuture and the wind industry partners who contributed to this comprehensive guidance document,” said Brian Lammers, director of development in the Atlantic region for Gamesa Energy USA. “We feel that the model ordinance – a product of a unique collaborative effort – sets forth excellent standards for Pennsylvania’s local governments to use when making wind energy zoning decisions.”

For more information on wind power, visit DEP’s Web site at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us , keyword: “Wind Energy.”

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