Red, Green, and Blue

Looking at a map of installed wind energy capacity in the U.S., one can easily see that the Southeast does not generate much wind power. Generally speaking this is because states like Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana have a poor wind resource. But in other places, like North Carolina for example, there’s a little more to the story.

In addition to a sub-par resource, political opposition based largely on aesthetics have prevented wind power from taking off in the western part of the state — where the only viable onshore resource exists. And if a bill currently being considered by the state legislature effectively banning large turbines wins approval, wind power won’t be taking off any time soon in the Tarheel State.

In 1983, North Carolina lawmakers passed an ordinance called the Mountain Ridge Protection Act preventing structures exceeding 40 feet from being erected along ridge tops exceeding 3000 feet. There are exceptions to the law, including flagpoles, antennae, steeples and windmills. Although the ‘Ridge Law’ was passed because of a mountaintop condominium that sparked strong local opposition, state regulators have come to interpret the rule to also prevent wind turbines — other than single turbines for private use.

The bill now in the Senate would go further than the Ridge Law and codify the current interpretation. It would allow windmills no more than 100 feet tall to be used primarily to generate electricity for a private residence. But it would ban any new facilities taller than 100 feet and any new turbines used for the commercial generation of electricity.

Most state lawmakers from the western parts of the state support the bill, which they say clarifies existing statutes and protects the aesthetic character of the state’s ridgelines. But Sen. Steve Goss, D-Watauga, broke with the other western legislators.

Goss stands out because he just so happens to represent Boone, home of the state’s largest wind turbine. A wind turbine that the general manager of a nearby inn and conference center said he was concerned about, because of the potential impacts on the guests. But not only have there been no complaints about it, guests have been so curious that he printed out literature and is planning a real-time display.

Despite strong support for the ban, Sen. Goss is pushing for a compromise that would give greater local control for siting and permitting. The bill is still in committee.

Image via cm195902

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