It will be an uphill battle for Kent County if Apex Clean Energy applies for a permit to construct 500 ft. wind turbines between Kennedyville and Galena.
That’s what a packed room heard from the county commissioners during Tuesday’s meeting to endorse new legislation submitted to the Maryland Legislature by District 36 Senator Steve Hershey.
This week Hershey drafted a bill designed to prohibit the State Public Service Commission from preempting the County from an approval process that could allow a large wind turbine project to be constructed in Kent County.
Under current laws, the State Public Service Commission could approve the construction of fifty 500 foot wind turbines in Kent County without any county oversight.
Hershey’s legislation was unanimously endorsed by the Commissioners.
County Commissioner President Ron Fithian commended Senator Hershey’s legislation and added that the commissioners should underscore their support of the legislation by sending their letter of endorsement.
“The legislation would give us the authority—instead of them (Apex Clean Energy) going through the Public Service Commission preempting us,” said Commissioner Bill Short.
If Apex submits a permit request, public meetings will be held in Kent County and Annapolis.
“This will be a golden opportunity to have your voice heard, no matter your opinion,” Pickrum said. “This is your community, your environment, and your future.”
A separate motion to approve a consensus of opinion requested by Senator Hershey was also requested and passed by the commissioners.
A recent uptick in community concern for the proposed wind turbines has resulted in a countywide dialogue over a spectrum of issues related to the project.
To find out more about it go here. For letters of support or opposition: Email: [email protected] Link to email the Governor here.
Andrew Kraft says
I wonder if anyone has asked Steve Hershey what the impact of degraded water quality is on Migratory Birds? Looks like he enjoys using environmental arguments when it suits him.