Renewable Energy Center

Policy Makers

	Wind Ordinances See what goes into creating a wind ordinance See examples: PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources: A Model Wind Ordinance for Pennsylvania Municipalities [pdf] Maryland Energy Administration: Small Wind Zoning Ordinance [pdf] National Renewable Energy Laboratory - Wind Energy Guide for County Commissioners
	Wind Farms in Pennsylvania Wind farms have rapidly developed across Pennsylvania since the turn of the century. Check out Pennfuture's list of projects here or see AWEA's project database here.
	Financial Information Community wind can have up to four times the local economic benefit of wind developed by outside entities.¹ By increasing the tax base it allows local government to offer more services and better infrastructure without raising tax rates. Community-owned projects show two times the job creation of absentee –owned projects because local people prefer to use local businesses. These create local jobs, both direct and ancillary.²Wind provides returns for the investor and direct and indirect local economic benefits for the community. This includes attracting new residents and creating tourism. ^{1 Bolinger, Mark; Ryan Wiser, Tom Wind; Don Juhl; and Robert Grace. July 2004. A Comparative Analysis of Community Wind Power Development Options in Oregon} ^{2-Bolinger, Mark; Ryan Wiser, Tom Wind; Don Juhl; and Robert Grace. July 2004. A Comparative Analysis of Community Wind Power Development Options in Oregon General Accounting Office, September 2004, 82, 83. Renewable Energy; Wind Power’s Contribution to Electric Power Generation and Impact on Farms and Rural Communities Shoemaker, Jessica. August 2006. Community Wind: A Review of Select State and Federal Policy Incentives, Farmers Legal Action Group.}
	Anemometer Loan Program-Community Wind Project The Renewable Energy Center runs Pennsylvania’s anemometer loan program. The project allows Pennsylvanians to learn if they have commercial wind potential with no upfront risk overcoming one of the first and critical barriers to development. The Community Wind Project is for community and business leaders with a serious interest in working on behalf of their business, farm, school, or municipality for a prosperous and healthy future. Successful applicants will have a 50-meter meteorological tower installed at their site for a 12-month preliminary feasibility study. Learn more about the project here.
	Environmental Pros and Cons Wind turbines, like all electricity sources, can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. On the positive side, wind turbines emit no pollution, generate no waste, require no mining for fuel, and use negligible amounts of water. They have a small footprint and the land around them can still be used for farming or forests. On the negative side, turbines and their access roads can fragment habitat. Unless carefully constructed and maintained, the roads can lead to erosion. The turbines must be properly sited to avoid avian migratory paths and bats. Turbines are also sometimes noted for producing noise and causing a shadow flicker. Some people enjoy seeing wind turbines, viewing them as kinetic sculpture and some find them aesthetically unpleasing. Learn more: Wind Energy Development Environmental Concerns Environmental Impacts and Siting of Wind Projects
	Case Studies Tribal Energy and Environmental Information - Case Studies and General Information Windustry - Community Wind Projects Southern Arizona Regional Solar Partnership - Solar Case Studies Geothermal Exchange Organization - Case Studies Green Buildings: DEP Cambria Office Building
	Additional Resources Solar Powering Your Community - A Guide for Local Governments National Renewable Energy Laboratory - Jobs & Economic Development Impact Model (JEDI) Economic Benefits from 1000 MW of Wind in PA [pdf] U.S. Department of Energy - Wind Economic Development Economic Benefits of Wind Energy Development Woo Local Communities - Radio Interview about Somerset County, PA National Association of Counties (NACo)

Quotes

"St. Francis University's meteorological tower and performance data helped Blue Mountain Ski Area turn a nice idea into a defendable business proposition. Without their program, the project might still be just a nice idea."
Phil Jones - EMS Environmental

"Through your program we were able to identify our resources and maximize the potential for previously unutilized land."
Lynn Falatko - Freeland Municipal Authority

"As a board member interested in the possible construction of a wind turbine, we do not have the expertise in this area to make an educated decision and we rely on the services of the REC to guide us through this process. Without the funding provided through the REC we would not be able to pursue this venture."
Tony Caputo - Greater Johnstown Water Authority

Saint Francis University