National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Orleans officials to discuss adopting new wind law

LAFARGEVILLE – The Orleans Town Council will review a proposed new wind law that combines its existing law with a previously proposed amendment that contained 48 pages of additional regulations.

James A. Burrows, an attorney from Conboy, McKay, Bachman and Kendall LLP who represents the town board, Thursday introduced the document and proposed that the board repeal the existing law to adopt the new law. The new law contains both the current law and Amendment Four, which expanded entries for definitions, noise regulations, complaint processes and studies.

Amendment Four, if it were adopted by itself, would have repealed and replaced several sections of the law. Mr. Burrows, however, said he felt it was less difficult to read through one consolidated law than a law and separate amendment.

“It was so much easier to go through one document than to have two of them,” said Deputy Supervisor Peter S. Wilson.

If the board decides to adopt the new law, it will have to submit the document to the County Planning Board for feedback.

Mr. Burrows, however, encouraged the board to review it at least once more before submitting it to the county, adding that a few changes needed to be made. Mr. Wilson said he had a few questions about the new document he wanted answered.

“There were just a couple of things that needed to be looked at and revised,” said Town Supervisor Kevin C. Rarick.

The board will further discuss wind regulations at its Sept. 14 meeting. The board extended the public hearing for proposed wind regulation, meaning it will continue to accept public comments.

While Amendment Four has been discussed for only a few months, the board has debated over potential revisions to the town’s wind law since April 2016 when it passed the moratorium on wind energy facility applications. The board previously revised its law in 2011 and first adopted it in 2007.

“I want everything done correctly after all of this work,” said Councilwoman Mary Ford-Waterman.