Wind Power News: Pennsylvania
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Judge dismisses attempt to overturn county zoning change
POTTSVILLE – A judge has dismissed a challenge by a Lackawanna County business to a change to an ordinance that will limit the height of new wind turbines in much of Schuylkill County. In a one-sentence order, Schuylkill County Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin dismissed the challenge raised by Clean Air Generation LLC, North Abington Township, to the county planning commission’s refusal to consider its plan for new wind turbines in Frailey, Porter and Tremont townships. The effect is to uphold the . . . Complete story »
Wind energy company closing Lehigh Valley manufacturing plant, shifting work to Mexico
A maker of components for wind turbine blades is closing its manufacturing plant in the Lehigh Valley and shifting the work to Mexico, putting 67 people out of work, according to a notice filed with the state, an internal memo and multiple sources familiar with the company’s thinking. Windkits LLC is planning to stop manufacturing at its facility at 7346 Penn Drive in Upper Macungie Township on Aug. 13, according to a summary of the notice posted online Friday by . . . Complete story »
Clarion Co. sets rules for solar and wind farms
CLARION – New rules are officially in place for constructing non-residential solar and wind farms in Clarion County. At a recent meeting, Clarion County Commissioners Ted Tharan, Wayne Brosius and Ed Heasley unanimously approved two ordinances outlining guidelines and regulations for the development of solar and wind farms throughout the county. “Keep in mind, [these are] for commercial,” Brosius pointed out of the new ordinances. “[They] will not affect anybody who wants to put solar panels on their home.” According . . . Complete story »
County sets rules for solar and wind projects
CLARION – The Clarion County Board of Commissioners last week (May 25) formally adopted ordinances placing limits on the development of non-residential solar energy and non-residential wind energy systems. “The ordinances cover the commercial solar and wind farms. Not residential solar,” said Clarion County Commissioner Wayne Brosius. “The oil, natural gas and coal industries have a devastating effect on the environment both from extraction and production,” said Clarion County resident Jamie Shropshire. “There may be some effects on the environment . . . Complete story »
Limits placed on solar, wind systems
CLARION – The Clarion County commissioners adopted ordinances that will place limits on the development of nonresidential solar energy and nonresidential wind-energy systems. According to Commissioner Wayne Brosius, the ordinances only cover the commercial solar and wind farms. [rest of article available at source] Complete story »
Pa. Senate bill would up state’s requirement for solar and wind energy
A group of Pennsylvania Senate Democrats have brought up again a bill, Senate Bill 300, that would require the commonwealth produce 30% of its energy from alternative and renewable source. The bill, along with a similar bill in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, would update the 2004 Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act that requires 8% of energy in Pennsylvania to come from Tier 1 sources including solar and wind. The sponsors say the law is 17 years old and is . . . Complete story »
Hegins board to hear from wind turbine company; township receives $25K grant from Williams
VALLEY VIEW – The Hegins Township supervisors granted approval to Clean Air Generation LLC to make a presentation before the township zoning hearing board, at a date to be determined. The supervisors on Wednesday voted for the energy developer to have a public meeting with the zoning board about the company’s anticipated $300 million Anthracite Ridge wind farm project. Nicholas Cohen, principal of Clean Air Generation and president of Global Energy Generation LLC, said Friday that the company plans to submit . . . Complete story »
Bedford Township continues review of proposed wind ordinance
Bedford Township officials are continuing to review a proposed update to the municipality’s wind energy ordinance that would, in part, prohibit wind turbines in the Dutch Corner Historic Agriculture District. The proposed ordinance was submitted to the township in December by a group of residents concerned about the potential installation of turbines in the area of Dunning and Evitts mountains. Solicitor Brad Allison, during the township supervisors’ meeting last week, provided a review to the board regarding the proposed changes. . . . Complete story »
Wind farm developer withdraws permit requests with DEP
Broad Mountain Power LLC, the firm that wants to build a wind project on the Broad Mountain in Packer Township and Nesquehoning Borough, has withdrawn two applications it had before the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The action comes three months after the Packer Township Zoning Hearing Board on Dec. 22, by unanimous vote, denied the firm’s request for a special exception permit and also for three variances. That decision came after more than 20 hearings in the multiyear dispute. . . . Complete story »
Firefighters race to second turbine blaze in months at US wind farm
An investigation is underway after firefighters were called to a second turbine fire within a few months at a wind farm in the US state of Pennsylvania, the latest in a string of blazes reported at the project. The fire on Saturday 13 March destroyed the nacelle of a turbine at the Locust Ridge project north of Mahanoy City. The West End Fire & Rescue service, which said nobody was hurt, posted a video of the incident of crews supervising . . . Complete story »
