September 20, 2012
New York

BP moves ahead with wind farm plans despite Cape Vincent restrictions

www.wwnytv.com 20 September 2012

British Petroleum (BP) wants to put $300 million worth of windmills in the towns of Cape Vincent and Lyme.

And it’s moving forward with its plans.

“The company is committed to the project,” said BP’s Richard Chandler, who will be managing the project.

“We’re dedicating a substantial number of resources to make this project become a reality,” he said.

On Monday, the company submitted paperwork to New York state under a new law: Article X of the 2011 Power Act.

This Power Act gives the state more power – and local communities less – in deciding if a wind project happens.

That’s good news for BP, because the company has run into opposition.

This summer, Cape Vincent created a new zoning law that discourages wind farms. The law would keep the turbines over a mile a way from the village of Cape Vincent, all schools, and the Scenic Byway.

It would also keep turbines at least two miles away from heavily populated areas. The law limits vibration and sound from wind turbines.

That’s pretty restrictive, but under the 2011 Power Act, the state can overrule local laws if they’re deemed to be “unreasonable” and give BP the green light.

Cape Vincent officials say that’s not going to happen.

“In my own mind, it would be difficult for the state to make a decision that they are unreasonable,” said John Byrne, a member of the town council.

BP now has 12 months before the state approves or denies its request to move forward.

The Cape Vincent planning board will meet Friday to review the status of the project.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/09/20/bp-moves-ahead-with-wind-farm-plans-despite-cape-vincent-restrictions/