Alesi bill promotes regional wind-farm planning

Senator Jim Alesi wants the state to consider a regional approach to wind farms.

Alesi's the sponsor of legislation that would establish a task force to look at wind-farm siting and permitting policies across the state. Currently, it's up to local governments to review and approve wind-farm applications. But in a recent newsletter to constituents, Alesi said the current system can pit communities against each other.

"By looking at the placement of wind farms on a region-by-region approach, rather than the current patchwork approach, energy firms, municipalities, and residents will all benefit," he said in the newsletter. [Alesi didn't return messages seeking comment.]

The task force would weigh the development of a "standardized formula for the siting of" wind farms, the potential for a statewide permitting procedure, and the possibility of compiling a statewide list of wind farm-appropriate sites. The siting formula would use factors like proximity to residential areas, impact on adjacent communities, and visual and sound impacts. The 15-member task force would issue a report to the governor by December 31.

This type of power plant siting process was in place from 1992 to the end of 2002, though wind farms weren't covered under the enabling law. Article X of the Public Service Law provided a framework for state-level reviews. When the law expired, local governments resumed review and approval responsibilities. State legislators weren't able to agree on a renewal bill.

Alesi first introduced his bill in 2007, but it's sat in the energy committee and has lacked an Assembly companion bill. This year, however, Assembly member Richard Brodsky may introduce companion legislation. If Alesi's bill is amended to match the Assembly bill, the energy committee can reassess the bill, says Adam Tableski, communications director for Senator George Maziarz, who chairs the committee.