Senate Bill 1068, Permitting of Wind Energy Facilities, is heard in the Senate Agriculture Committee this morning. This bill would establish aparallel system of permits for the siting of wind turbines in the coastalarea and other areas of the State and make changes regarding windmills in the Mountain Ridge Protection Act.
There are different rules for different parts of the state. The Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) would regulate coastal wind turbines while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) would regulate all others.
The provisions set a out permitting system, establish a $2,000 application fee, prohibit turbines that impact navigation channels on the coast and on slopes in the mountains, and require a public hearing in the county where
the wind farm will be.
The bill passes by a voice vote and will go back to the Senate for a vote.
Wind power described as “a critical way to meet the requirements of SB 3”.
