A stakeholder’s group has unveiled a model ordinance that will help Pennsylvania’s local governments decide how to direct the location and development of wind energy projects within municipal borders.
Stakeholders began meeting last fall to craft the model ordinance. The ordinance is designed as a template that local governments can adjust to their specific needs. Issues addressed in the model ordinance include visual appearance of wind turbines and related infrastructure, sound levels, shadow flicker, minimum property setbacks, interference with communications devices, protection of public roads, liability insurance, decommissioning and dispute resolution.
The ordinance was crafted by many individuals and groups including, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, PennFuture, Community Energy, FPL Energy, PPM Energy and Gamesa Corp.
Pennsylvania currently is a wind energy leader among eastern states with almost 153 megawatts of wind energy installed. The state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard will require between 3,000 and 4,000 megawatts of wind energy to be developed in the coming years.
More
- Full Text of the 2006 Model Ordinance for Wind Energy Facilities in Pennsylvania – issued May 2, 2006
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Wind EnergySection
