There have been many claims about the benefits of wind energy, but like any technology many factors must be considered before making broad policy decisions. In many countries around the world that have led the way in implementing wind energy projects, and increasingly here in the US, it has become more apparent that there are significant costs to the environment and quality of life in those locations where industrial wind facilities have been built and are operating. Thus, it is extremely important that there be well thought out regulatory processes to insure that potential impacts are minimized.

As an example of a regulatory process that was not well thought out is the Permit by Rule (PBR) process that currently exists in Virginia for wind and solar projects smaller than 100 MW. Its intent was to “fast track” the approval of these types of projects by avoiding the normal regulatory process of the State Corporation Commission (SCC). As a result of the PBR, the Rocky Forge Wind project in Botetourt County was given the green light to proceed. The location of this project, on the top of North Mountain, is in the worst possible spot due to the impacts that will occur to the viewshed, the Eastern Golden Eagle, increased runoff and erosion, potential impacts to bat nesting sites, infrasound health impacts to nearby citizens, etc. In addition, while the site is located in Botetourt County, it is right on the border with Rockbridge and Allegheny Counties, and the PBR process does not allow neighboring jurisdictions to have any say in approval of the permit, even though they will be subject to just as many impacts. Also, while the claim is that enough electricity will be generated to power “up to 20,000 homes”, analysis of wind data from a nearby location shows that this is greatly exaggerated. But, it is impossible to have an independent review of the claim since the company behind the project refuses to release the wind data that was collected at the site.

My experience with the PBR is that it either needs to be eliminated, or significant revisions need to be made to insure that renewable energy projects are appropriately located, will help reduce carbon emissions, and allow adjoining jurisdictions to participate in the approval process.