In September, I detailed the reasons why building public support for wind proposals in Lancaster County, Nebraska, should not be a “Plan B.” Just a few short months later, the County Board has adopted tough noise restrictions on wind turbines, reducing the standard noise limit from 50 to 40 decibels of noise during the day. Similarly, in Boone County, Illinois, a setback was applied to turbines, which now must be placed 2,640 feet from a property line. While these noise limits and setbacks are not outright defeats of any specific proposal during its own individual approval process, companies should be cautious of the manner in which these can derail existing and future proposals.
Despite Nebraska’s wealth of opportunity for expansion of the industry, the state still ranks 20th in development of new wind energy projects, according to news reports. This status is unlikely to gain a boost from approval of any proposals in Lancaster County with the new noise limits. A representative of Volkswind USA commented on the restriction, noting his disappointment in the unnecessary prerequisite to the protection of health and safety that now has the company trying to salvage its proposal by relocating to a site in another county. However, given the possible precedent the limits create, local wind advocates fear these limits could spread to other counties as well.
Similarly, residents of Boone County face uncertainty about the fate of Mainstream Renewables’ proposal to bring clean energy and tax revenue to the area, given the new setbacks established county-wide. While companies in this county can still work with property owners to generate waivers for siting reduced to 1,500 feet from a property line, the County Board’s action could have profound impacts on the viability of proposed and future projects there.
By building public support for individual proposals early in the process, companies will have an advocacy group to mobilize when crippling setbacks or noise limits are proposed in the communities they seek to enter. It takes identification of the often silent but supportive majority to build relationships and connect various strengths of advocates to develop a powerful, well-educated advocacy group. However, once supporters of a proposal become aware of any efforts to halt it with regulation, they can write letters and attend hearings to advocate for fair requirements.
By stopping unfair regulation before it starts, companies can ensure timely approval of their wind proposals without risking the loss of valuable time and resources. To achieve success, companies should consider the following rules:
Al Maiorino started Public Strategy Group in 1995. He has developed and managed multiple corporate public affairs campaigns in a variety of industries such as gaming, cable television, retail development, auto racing, power plant/wind farm projects, and housing/residential projects. Al received his bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in American studies from the University of Connecticut.