As wind energy companies try to find their footing in Maryland, state senators proposed a bill that would limit turbines’ heights, as well as their companies’ interests, in southern Maryland.
Proposals had placed wind turbines in the Chesapeake Bay near the Patuxent River, and along the Atlantic Coast near Ocean City, but this bill would only limit development near the river’s Naval Air Station.
Sponsored by Senator Steve Waugh, R-Calvert and St. Mary’s, the bill would allow wind energy companies to build turbines near the Naval Air Station on the Patuxent River so long as they do not exceed certain heights based on distances from the base that could cause inaccurate radar readings.
“The purpose of the bill is to protect the Atlantic Test Range, which is a national asset and used by the Naval Air Station Patuxent River (for) developmental test activities,” Waugh said.
“It’s mirroring limits that exist already for (agricultural) preservation land,” which provide staggered height limits for wind turbines based on distance away from a determined point, Waugh said. The farther away, the taller the turbines could be.
Applying the state’s current agricultural regulations to the base would keep wind turbines at least 24 miles away from the Naval Air Station, and they could not exceed 100 feet in height if within 24 to 30 miles of the base.
But taller towers allow for more energy to be generated because of faster wind speeds at greater heights, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Therefore, height restrictions could limit profitability for energy companies.
Bruce Burcat, executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition, said the bill’s provisions are too geographically limiting, making wind turbine development not as profitable — and therefore less attractive — for energy companies to build in Maryland.
“We still have some serious concerns about it,” Burcat said. For example, he said, “there is no provision for reviewing down the road — hopefully just a couple years — to see if circumstances have changed to the point where they would have more comfort with development in that region.
Senator Thomas Middleton, D-Charles, said he supports the bill because it enables the employees of the Naval Air Station to keep working.
“It’s hundreds of jobs and lots of economic development to southern Maryland, and going forth…we feel it’s necessary to really protect” the base’s radar system, Middleton said.
Meanwhile, state Senate Minority Whip Stephen S. Hershey Jr., R-Caroline, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s, introduced a bill on Tuesday that would give Kent County commissioners the ability to approve wind energy companies’ land-based wind projects within their own county rather than requiring the Public Service Commission’s approval.
Waugh’s proposal comes after U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Maryland, tried to put a hold on any agreements between the U.S. Navy and wind energy companies at the mouth of the Patuxent River in July 2014 until an MIT study analyzing the turbines’ potential effects on radar testing is completed, which is expected to be published in summer 2015.
By Katelyn Newman
Linda hall says
The tall wind turbines are a terrible idea to put any on the Eastern flyway. We have so many migratory birds that would be put in danger. Why not solar panels on the same farmers ground. I’m all for renewable energy …………….
joe diamond says
Linda,
There was a recent application to do just that. The plan that was presented would not change grading that had been established for more than a hundred years. The array would be invisible from the closest road. The required cabling would be underground and attach to existing power company equipment. There would be no impact on the environment. The generated electricity would be used locally & generate local taxes.
The (appointed) Planning and Zoning Board ignored the presentation contained in the application and ignored a very concise survey of applicable laws and site conditions that was prepared by the Kent County Planning & Zoning professionals. The appointed board just asked questions they should have been able to answer….killing time but refusing to vote…..then they needed to move on to other applications. Rather than continue in this manner the application was withdrawn. The company moved on to their next project.
More will happen but it will go through the courts (my opinion). You ask a good question. Why not solar?
Joe
william short says
Joe & Linda
I have already requested the Commissioners reconvene the Committee that put previous regs together for this type of zoning.The goal will be to come up with a larger commercial style zoning in the Ag districts that will offer opportunities to make Solar a more viable option. The transition to renewable energy has moved far too quickly and needs a lot of thought and patience along with tolerance from all communities at stake. We will figure this out and continue to work through the process in an expeditious process.
Thanks for being involved…
Joe diamond says
AN update = the wind company has pulled out. They are going to offer a solar solution. +
Meanwhile, state Senate Minority Whip Stephen S. Hershey Jr., R-Caroline, Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s, introduced a bill on Tuesday that would give Kent County commissioners the ability to approve wind energy companies’ land-based wind projects within their own county rather than requiring the Public Service Commission’s approval:
Waugh’s proposal comes after U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, D-Maryland, tried to put a hold on any agreements between the U.S. Navy and wind energy companies at the mouth of the Patuxent River in July 2014 until an MIT study analyzing the turbines’ potential effects on radar testing is completed, which is expected to be published in summer 2015.
+
Barbie was sent to Congress to stop I-83 from running through Fells Point. Look at the map of B more……the road just stopped. It was her! She sent a federal project to Q Anne’s county for a FBI training school $$$$$ and was informed no project was necessary.
So this source of Fed horse power is lost. Nobody even said thanks. So learn that Barbie made ’em squeal by shutting down the funds until an MIT study could be complete. IF some other senator shuts down the funds for that study….when will the windmills turn in Somerset County ( across the Bay below Berlin, MD)?
Maybe we could propose her for sainthood and she will have a staffer pick up the phone.
Just sayin’
Joe