A Regulatory Framework for Wind Energy in North Carolina
Abstract
Wind energy is the fastest growing energy sector in the U.S., and while it provides
a clean, renewable source of energy, it is not without environmental and other impacts.
The first utility-scale wind farm was proposed in the mountains of North Carolina
in July, 2006, bringing to the
forefront a question that has been brewing for some time: How is the siting of wind
facilities currently regulated in North Carolina and what, if any, changes are needed
to ensure that wind energy is sited in an appropriate and environmentally sound manner?
This master’s project provides: (1) an overview of siting issues associated with wind
farms; (2)
an analysis of the current regulatory structure governing the siting of wind farms
in North Carolina; (3) an analysis of regulatory frameworks for wind energy in nine
states (Texas, California, Iowa, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont
and Virginia); and (4)
an evaluation of five policy options for North Carolina. The policy options range
in regulatory intensity, from removing regulatory barriers to wind projects but adding
no additional regulatory oversight, to requiring environmental review for all projects,
to developing a statewide regulatory framework specific to wind energy. The policy
options are evaluated against three main criteria – minimizing negative impacts, providing
opportunities for meaningful public input, and
facilitating the development of wind energy. These criteria are further defined with
five subcriteria, several of which are drawn from the National Wind Coordinating Committee’s
principles of a good wind permitting process. The results indicate that under the
current regulatory structure, wind projects would either
proceed without much oversight or would likely be prohibited. There are regulatory
barriers to wind energy development in the state’s windiest areas through the Ridge
Law, which may prevent construction of turbines on ridge tops, and coastal development
rules, which may prevent turbines in state waters. Based on a qualitative analysis
of the policy options, the development of a statewide regulatory framework for wind
energy would best meet the evaluation criteria and facilitate wind energy development
in the state while ensuring that projects are sited in a responsible manner that minimizes
negative impacts. Such a framework could be implemented through legislation that would
remove the regulatory barriers and institute
a consolidated permitting process, siting standards projects must meet, and a wind-specific
environmental review process.
Type
Master's projectSubject
Wind energyPermalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/72Citation
Kimrey, Erin (2006). A Regulatory Framework for Wind Energy in North Carolina. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/72.Collections
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