Wind Power News: New York
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Prattsburgh, Ecogen may face off again
The town of Prattsburgh and wind developer Ecogen may be headed back to state Supreme Court Justice John Ark’s courtroom. Town board members voted 3-2 Monday to respond to Ecogen’s latest legal action – a stay — which could force another hearing by Ark on a three-year old dispute between the town and the developer. One of the issues is a 168-day window Ark left open for Ecogen to show it had “vested rights” to the wind farm. Ecogen has . . .
Watkins Glen International signs on to wind farms project
WATKINS GLEN — It’s not clear if a proposed $200 million wind farm will be built in Schuyler and Chemung counties, but if it happens, some turbines will stand at Watkins Glen International. Michael Printup, president of WGI, announced Thursday that the racetrack has signed on for the electricity project being developed by NextEra Energy Resources, of Juno Beach, Fla. WGI’s parent company, International Speedway Corp., already works with NextEra for clean energy credits and marketing opportunities at its tracks . . .
Vestas’ V112-3.0 MW wind turbine set for North American debut
The first North American installation of the Vestas V112-3.0 MW wind turbine is scheduled to begin later this month at EDP Renewables’ (EDPR) 216 MW Marble River Wind Farm, located in Clinton County, N.Y. The May 21 arrival of the Vestas V112 turbines comes less than two months after the V112 caught fire at a wind farm near Lower Saxony, Germany. Vestas said the fire was caused by an arc flash, which was the result of a loose connection in . . .
NextEra plans wind turbines at WGI
Watkins Glen, N.Y. — NextEra Energy, the company that’s planning a $200 million wind farm project across Schuyler and Chemung counties, has reached a deal with a high-profile landowner – Watkins Glen International. NextEra – one of the largest power providers in the country – plans to locate multiple wind turbines, 400 feet tall, on the 1,832 acres that surround the historic race track in Schuyler County, officials announced Thursday. The turbines at the race track would be among 50 . . .
Town of Prattsburgh vs. Ecogen legal battle
The Town of Prattsburgh moves forward Monday in a legal dispute against wind developer Ecogen. Council members passed a motion to fight a stay against Ecogen and for Supreme Court Justice John Ark to clarify the 168 days to establish the company’s vested rights to the project. This motion is part of a long standing legal battle between the town and Ecogen. Ecogen says the 168 period hasn’t started yet. So Monday’s motion means Judge Ark can look into whether . . .
County to hear from public on renewable energy law
ITHACA — Tompkins County legislators have a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed local law that would block property owners from taking advantage of a state tax exemption on renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, because the state law doesn’t distinguish between commercial and residential property. The hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 N. Tioga St. The proposal is an exemption to New York state’s Real Property Tax Law 487. The state law . . .
Ecogen subject of Prattsburgh special meeting
A special Prattsburgh Town Board meeting has been slated for 7 p.m. Monday at the town hall, 19 N. Main St. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss legal action concerning windfarm developer Ecogen. Ecogen filed a lawsuit against the town in late March, but gave no reason for appealing the order, which they originally submitted. The town board then agreed to file a countersuit. The order in question was crafted by Ecogen and approved by Justice John Ark . . .
Parishville town board may soon enact wind law
PARISHVILLE – The town may soon have a wind energy facilities law on the books, according to Supervisor Jerry G. Moore. But it could still be at least a couple of years before any Iberdrola Renewables wind turbines pop up in Parishville, Mr. Moore said. The town board has revised its proposal several times and may approve a final law next month, Mr. Moore said. The law would allow Parishville to create a “wind overlay district,” a special designated area . . .
On the bus to Hardscrabble Wind Farm
Last Sunday, I took a bus trip along with 37 other folks, destination Hardscrabble Wind Farm in Fairfield, a little over an hour’s ride northeast of Hamilton. In addition to the people on the bus, a caravan of private vehicles followed. Madison Town Supervisor Ron Bono, Madison Planning Board Chair Roger Williams, Madison Town Council Members Jim Lundrigan and Brad Dixon, and Hamilton Town Council members Chris Rossi and Carolyn Todd rode with us on the bus. The trip was . . .
Town board still on fence about wind turbine; Board concerned about cost and impact to residents
After month of debate, the Riverhead Town Board is still firmly planted on the fence about whether or not to proceed with a proposal by the Riverhead Sewer District to erect a 275-foot high wind turbine at its treatment plant off Riverside Drive. As previously reported, the proposed turbine would cost an estimated $1.8 million, to be paid for by a bond. According to Michael Reichel, superintendent of the sewer district, the energy generated by the turbine would result in . . .
