Virginia’s Model Wind Ordinances: Local Government/Stakeholder/DEQ Collaboration

Introduction to DEQ’s

Local Government Outreach Group (LOG)

David K. Paylor, DirectorDepartment of Environmental Quality

for Environment Virginia 2012

DEQ’s Small Renewable Energy Projects Permit by

Rule•2009 Legislation

Gave DEQ Authority

•Wind PBR Regulation Finalized December 22, 2010

•Agency Guidance on DEQ Website

www.deq.virginia.gov

Role of Local GovernmentStatute:

Local government certification of compliance with local land use ordinances = statutory prerequisite for DEQ’s PBR permit.

Regulations:DEQ’s PBR regulations require this

certification for wind projects >500 kW to 100 MW

The role of local governments is critical in Virginia’s development of

renewable energy

Questions from Local Governments

? ? ?

Setbacks?

Low frequency noise?

Shadow flicker?

Decommissioning?

Height?Sureties?

Audible noise?

In response to these questions . . .DEQ Director appointed informal

stakeholder group in February 2011To work under Director’s aegis with

facilitation by DEQ staff As requested by Secretary of Natural

ResourcesAnd supported by Governor’s Chief

Energy AdvisorLocal Government Outreach Group (LOG)

began meeting in March 2011

LOG Membership

Local GovernmentVirginia Association of Counties (VACO): Larry LandLocal Government Attorneys:

Augusta County – Pat Morgan Loudoun County – Jeff Gore (Hefty & Wiley)Local Government Officials:

Norfolk – Larry LombardiPulaski County – Peter Huber & Shawn UttRockingham County – Billy Vaughn; John Meck, alternateVirginia Beach – Bob Matthias

Planning Officials:Central Shenandoah PDC – Robbie HuffVirginia Association of Planners – George HomewoodNorthampton County PDC – Roberta Kellam (Bob Meyers & Sandra Benson, alternates)

 

  

AcademiaDabney Lancaster Community College –

Earl DodrillJames Madison University – Maria PapadakisJames Madison University – Jonathan MilesNew River Community College –

Dan LookadooOld Dominion University – Patrick HatcherVirginia Tech – Richard Hirsh 

Developers Appalachian Power/AEP – Ron Jefferson Dominion – Emil Avram (Salud Layton, alternate) Gamesa – Dan Renshaw (Todd Hopper, alternate) Invenergy – Don Giecek RES – Justin Markell Solar Services, Inc. – Scott Sklar (former head of

national solar trade association) Troutman Sanders – John Daniel Va. Alternative & Renewable Energy Assoc. –

Ken Hutcheson 

NGO’s/Citizens/State Government

The Nature Conservancy – Nikki Rovner Piedmont Environmental Council – Dan

Holmes Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition – Diana

Christopulos (Sean McGinnis & Mark Harmon, alternates)

DEQ – David Paylor, chairman Carol Wampler, facilitator

DMME – Ken Jurman

LOGIS IS NOT

An informal stakeholder group

Helps develop suggestions, guidance, options, “model” ordinances, & other resources for consideration by local governments

Seeks collegial, cooperative input as basis for recommendations

A formal public body

Helps develop mandatory regulatory standards

Seeks unanimous consensus as basis for recommendations

Issues & goals may include . . .Model wind ordinances

Utility Scale/Community Scale/Residential Scale

Model solar ordinance(s)Informational visits to existing projectsResearch studies & other resource materialsWorkforce training & PBR curriculum materialsLocal/state/stakeholder communication

With cooperation among local governments, state government, & stakeholders . . .• we can carry forward the Commonwealth’s policy to encourage renewable energy –

• in balanced and appropriate ways

•with respect for the roles of all levels of government,the Commonwealth’s natural resources, and the health, safety, and welfare of local citizens 

COLLABORATION . . .

Local Government

Stakeholders

State Government

Coming soon . . .

Local Government Outreach Pages

www.deq.virginia.govRenewable Energy Program

For more information . . .

Contact Department of Environmental Quality Staff:

Carol Wampler804-698-4579carol.wampler@deq.virginia.gov

Thank you for your interest