This brochure provides a quick, but informative, summary of the key issues pertaining to wind energy development in Virginia and the Appalachian region. The document can serve as a start point for others preparing similar information materials for their community. Click on the link(s) at the bottom of this page to view the final layout including photos.

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A 90-DAY MORATORIUM WITHIN THE CITY OF FERGUS FALLS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS (WECS), THEREBY AMENDING CHAPTER 7 ENTITLED ZONING AND SUBDIVIDING, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 7.43 FOR THAT PURPOSE; AND, BY ADDING BY REFERENCE, CITY CODE CHAPTER 1 AND SECTION 7.99 WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS CONTAIN PENALTY PROVISIONS.

At its August 23, 2007 meeting, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission requested that the Department of Commerce's Energy Facility Permitting staff consult with stakeholders and prepare for the Commission's consideration general permit standards and setback recommendations to satisfy the legislative mandate. The PUC issued this order on Jan 11, 2008.

The VA SCC issued its final order that conditionally approves the Highland New Wind Development, LLC application to construct and operate a wind energy generating facility in Highland County, Virginia, near the West Virginia border. The proposed facility would consist of up to twenty (20) wind turbines of up to 2.00 MW capacity each. The order included comprehensive monitoring and mitigation for wildlife impacts (bird and bat) and could serve as a model for other projects. One of the commissioners dissented on a provision in the monitoring and mitigation plan.

The public version of this filing can be downloaded below.

This important peer-reviewed paper written by bat expert Dr. Thomas H. Kunz et al identifies the significant risk wind turbines pose for migratory and local bat populations in the mid-Atlantic Highlands region of the United States. The projected number of annual fatalities of bats at wind energy facilities in the Highlands in the year 2020 can reach up to 111,000 bats.

This document includes studies in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.

Rick Webb's presentation on October 17 at the Energy Virginia conference provides a thought provoking analysis of the costs and benefits of industrial wind energy.

To reiterate, if the SCC chooses to license this project, we request adherence to the monitoring and mitigation recommendations described in this letter and attachments. In the absence of such conditions, we feel this project would pose an unacceptable risk to the Commonwealth’s wildlife resources.

Q. Please state your name and position.

A. My name is Charles Simmons and I have been retained to provide assistance to Highland Citizens in regard to the application of Highland New Wind Development, LLC to construct a wind generation facility in Highland County.

Editor's Note:This testimony provides an excellent description of how a grid works- particularly the role of 'economic dispatch' and 'spinning reserves'. It also addresses the methodology for estimating emissions savings and numerous other topics of interest.