Fraser files legislation to allow Gillespie county to regulate wind energy generation
March 2, 2009
Senator Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) filed legislation on Monday to authorize the Gillespie County Commissioners Court to regulate the construction of wind energy electric generating facilities in the unincorporated areas of the county. Senate Bill 1226 specifically will allow Gillespie County to prohibit or restrict the location of a facility in all or part of the county.
Senator Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) filed legislation on Monday to authorize the Gillespie County Commissioners Court to regulate the construction of wind energy electric generating facilities in the unincorporated areas of the county. Senate Bill 1226 specifically will allow Gillespie County to prohibit or restrict the location of a facility in all or part of the county.
Office of State Senator Troy Fraser
State Capitol Building, Room 1E.15
512-463-0124
512-475-3732 (fax)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Janice McCoy
AUSTIN -- Senator Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) filed legislation on Monday to authorize the Gillespie County Commissioners Court to regulate the construction of wind energy electric generating facilities in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Senate Bill 1226 specifically will allow Gillespie County to prohibit or restrict the location of a facility in all or part of the county. If the county chooses to allow generation to be built, it can require set backs or create other restrictions on the facility.
"I continue to be a proponent of wind generation because it is an important …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]Office of State Senator Troy Fraser
State Capitol Building, Room 1E.15
512-463-0124
512-475-3732 (fax)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Janice McCoy
AUSTIN -- Senator Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) filed legislation on Monday to authorize the Gillespie County Commissioners Court to regulate the construction of wind energy electric generating facilities in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Senate Bill 1226 specifically will allow Gillespie County to prohibit or restrict the location of a facility in all or part of the county. If the county chooses to allow generation to be built, it can require set backs or create other restrictions on the facility.
"I continue to be a proponent of wind generation because it is an important part of our state's energy portfolio," said Fraser. "Even though many parts of the state have embraced wind energy generation, there are communities in the state that oppose the installation of wind turbines and are resisting efforts to construct wind farms. In Gillespie County, the Save Our Scenic Hill Country organization and local elected and community leaders have fought to keep wind development out of the county."
"Over the past year, I have asked the wind developers to voluntarily stay out of Gillespie County and am not satisfied that request has been fulfilled," said Fraser. "This legislation is in direct response to my constituents who argue that wind development in Gillespie County would have a detrimental impact on the natural beauty of the area, the quality of life and land values."
"I am committed to ensuring that the residents of Gillespie County are not only heard on this issue, but have a true mechanism to control wind development in their county."
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Senator Troy Fraser (R - Horseshoe Bay) represents 21 counties in the geographic center of Texas. He serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce and sits on the Senate Committees on Finance, State Affairs, and International Relations and Trade.