Wind Industries

Homer News
By Sharon Minsch
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
http://homernews.com/stories/080509/oped_6_001.shtml

Based on the public interest in wind energy systems, it seemed appropriate to devise a set of regulations for discussion that could allow wind systems in our community.

It is but one way to support the efforts of our citizens in getting a handle on our high energy costs. Currently we have height limit restrictions of 35 feet as well as regulations about accessory uses that prohibit the use of wind systems in the city.

We have a city council who has been leading the way in support of green energy, looking for ways to cut emissions and reduce the impact on our earth. While not everyone may agree with the stance of the council, it is the direction they are leading us. Its position is laid out in the Climate Action Plan and follows through in the draft of the new Comprehensive Plan.

The U.S. Department of Energy has an ambitious goal to use wind power for 20 percent of the country's energy use by 2030. These systems are just one component of that plan. The government is offering rebates and incentives to encourage private citizens to use these alternative energy systems. HEA is providing connection to the grid to sell back excess power.

The Homer Advisory Planning Commission and the Planning staff spent a lot of time researching and reviewing how other communities are dealing with wind energy systems. We reviewed regulations from many communities to see how Homer might regulate the systems. The ordinance is now in the hands of the council for discussion.

I was not surprised that some folks feel that there is no place in Homer that the systems may be appropriate. At the planning commission we discussed birds and view sheds and noise concerns at great length.

Last winter our mayor was writing letters to anyone who would listen about the increases from HEA this past winter so I was surprised to read he was opposed to even introducing the ordinance for discussion.

I applaud the efforts of the council to bring this issue to the table for public discussion and review. I would encourage the public to review the proposed ordinance and provide informed testimony to the council at the public hearings. There is a ton of information available on the Web.

We have begun the process where Homer's citizens and the council can review and debate the issue. Your editorial is right, this issue will test Homer's commitment to alternative energy.

If the majority of folks tell the council we do not want these wind energy systems in our community then we will not have them. What we will have is a great discussion that will help the council understand just what it is that Homer wants in the way of alternative energy for the future. I think that is a very good thing.

Disclosure: I am Alaskan born and raised and a member of the Homer Advisory Planning Commission, but I am submitting this piece as a private citizen. (We currently have two vacancies on the commission. If anyone is interested in joining us, feel free to give me a call at 399-4266 or contact the city clerk.)