Wind Power News: Utah
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.
Iron County passes wind ordinance
CEDAR CITY — The Iron County Commission unanimously approved an amended wind energy ordinance Monday without much discussion.
The proposed changes to the amendment, originally passed in February 2008, were discussed during a public hearing Jan. 11. Changes included:
* The creation of protected overlay zones for commercial energy projects to expedite the permitting process and forgo requests for zone changes. Submission for a conditional use permit will still be required.
* Preserve scenic views by restricting towers in designated areas such as . . .
Commission denies wind ordinance
It was standing room only at Monday’s public hearing during the Iron County Commission meeting addressing a proposed wind ordinance amendment recommended by the Iron County Planning Commission.
The ordinance was not passed, at the urging of the public, so further studies could be conducted relating to fire hazards, erosion impact and power transmission corridors associated with wind farms.
The original wind ordinance was passed in February 2008, but it has undergone changes during the past 10 months to create protected zones . . .
Wind ordinance still under review
CEDAR CITY – The Iron County Planning Commission withdrew its motion Thursday to approve an amended wind ordinance until a final copy of the changes have been drafted and reviewed by legal counsel.
The planning commission requested the ordinance be brought back at its next meeting with two specific changes that require an incoming wind energy project to:
Bond, establish an agreement for payment in lieu of taxes or set up a sinking fund that ensures pro-per final reclamation of the wind . . .
Study finds Summit County’s Porcupine Ridge ideal for wind-energy development
On most days, stiff winds can be counted on to blow across Summit County’s Porcupine Ridge.
They are so strong and consistent that no one should be surprised a few years from now to find wind turbines dotting the landscape, their massive blades generating 50 megawatts of electricity or more for an energy-hungry state.
And that would be only a modest development.
“It is an attractive site for wind power,” said Edwin R. Stafford at Utah State University, who with Cathy L. . . .
Saving the night-dwellers: Biologists propose plan to limit threats to Utah’s 19 bat species
Utah’s flying nightdwellers — 19 species of bats that patrol cities, deserts and forests — need more safeguards from human disturbances, according to state wildlife officials.
A disease that has decimated bat populations in the Northeast hasn’t hit Utah but state biologists say local populations face other threats.
In a report to the state wildlife board, biologists are recommending a series of steps to protect bats, including changes in timber harvest practices, use of alternative pesticides and nets that cover up toxic . . .
Wind ordinance scrutinized
CEDAR CITY – The Iron County Planning Commission held a lengthy discussion Thursday night with state energy program representatives, wind energy company members and retailers, engineers and concerned residents on the county’s proposed wind energy ordinance changes.
The Iron County Commission hopes to pass changes to the current ordinance, which was adopted February 2008, after planners have a chance to elaborate on wind energy regulations for both residential and commercial areas.
Planning Commission Chairman Chris Dahlin said the reason for amending the . . .
Iron County Coordinating Council discusses wind farming
ENOCH — The Iron County Coordinating Council met Wednesday in Enoch to discuss the pros, cons and differing opinions of wind energy in the area, in preparation for a public hearing and possible adoption of a new wind farm ordinance.
Iron County Planner Reid Erickson said a wind ordinance is already in place, as well as regulations on solar and geothermal energy, that prescribe impact easements and site-specific locations for such farms.
The new ordinance, as discussed by Iron County Circuit Planner . . .
Wind farm possible in Box Elder
A wind farm could be coming to Box Elder County. Property owner Cresley Walker of West Hills has asked the county commission for a Letter of Awareness as part of a grant he is applying for
Walker says there is a limited number of areas in the state to feasibly have a wind farm and one of them is in the West Hills area of Box Elder County. Walker said the property being considered is northwest of the Nucor Steel Plant . . .
Utah cities look to build a wind farm in Idaho
The Utah Association of Municipal Power Systems says it plans to build a wind farm in Idaho.
The association told the Daily Herald of Provo that an announcement on final plans for the farm will be made within 90 days.
Association spokeswoman Jackie Coombs said the farm will generate between 40 and 60 megawatts of power. Coombs said the wind farm is part of a larger push from UAMPS to use more renewable energy.
The association provides power to several cities and organizations . . .
Wind firm eyeing northeastern Utah
A closely held company is snapping up rights to thousands of acres of private land for a wind farm near Manila in northeastern Utah, promising royalties to the local ranchers.
The startup, RAAM Power Inc., is borrowing wind meters from the Utah Geological Survey to measure wind speed over time and assess the best locations for 50 or more wind towers.
The Salt Lake City-based company is putting together financing for a wind farm that could produce around 100 megawatts of power.
It’s . . .
