On Local residents concerned wind bill would wipe out their work

Posted on April 19 at 11:07 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I think the information in this article under Existing Law may be misleading. As it reads, I interpret this to mean that health & safety reasons can be imposed but only if it does not significantly increase the cost of the system. This is not the case. Under State Statute 66.0401, there are three elements, however, only one needs to be satisfied. The statute states that no restrictions can be placed on wind energy systems unless the restriction satisfies one (1) of the following:
a)Serves to preserve or protect the public health or safety OR
b)Does not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency OR
c)Allows for an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency
This means only one element needs to be satisfied. Therefore health and safety restrictions can be imposed regardless of cost. It would be a sad day if health & safety is forfeited because of cost! Wind developers may want communities to think there are restrictions in regard to health & safety. They are wrong. Thank you to all the communties in the state that have worked long hours conducting research and creating wind ordinances to protect their residents.