April 26, 2013
Alabama

Alabama will establish wind turbine regulations if bill passes

By Thyrie Bland | April 26, 2013 | al.comBy Thyrie Bland | April 26, 2013 | al.com

A second bill that deals with the regulation of wind turbines has been introduced in the Alabama Legislature.

The bills are coming about as wind energy companies are making moves to locate wind farms in Alabama, including Baldwin County.

House Bill 678 would establish the Alabama Wind Energy Conversion Systems Act of 2013. 

It would allow the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to set up rules regulating the location, design, installation, and operation of wind energy conversion systems in the state.

It was introduced Thursday and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure.

Another bill pending in legislature would give Baldwin County Commission the local authority to set rules that regulate wind farms. 

House Bill 676 was introduced Wednesday and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Baldwin County Legislation.

APEX Wind Energy is looking to put about 40 wind turbines in south Baldwin County. The turbines could be 520 to 590 feet tall from the tower’s base to the tip of a blade at the 12 o’clock position.

Baldwin County Commissioner Tucker Dorsey has been vocal about his opposition to the company’s project, which is called the Foley Wind Project.

In Etowah County and Cherokee County, Pioneer Green Energy, an Austin, Texas-based company, is planning to build two wind farms.

The Shinbone Wind Energy Center in Cherokee County will consist of eight wind turbines. The Noccalula Wind Energy Center in Etowah County will have up to 40 turbines.

There has opposition from some residents who have started a Facebook page called Save Cherokee Rock Village.

Concerns expressed about wind turbines have been the noise they will generate, their size and their threat to migratory birds.

Wind energy companies are touting the turbines as way to produce green energy and generate more property tax revenue for local governments.

The companies also point out that turbines will generate income for property owners who allow them on their land.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/04/26/alabama-will-establish-wind-turbine-regulations-if-bill-passes/